Diocesan News

’Tis the Season: Tablet’s ‘Bright Christmas’ Has Commenced

November 16, 2022

 PROSPECT HEIGHTS — With the holiday season right around the corner, The Tablet’s Bright Christmas campaign to ensure no child goes without a gift on Christmas is now officially underway. 

[CLICK HERE TO GIVE ONLINE]

“This campaign embodies everything that the Christmas Spirit is about — a time for giving, togetherness, and thinking of others,” said Jim DelCioppo, editor of The Tablet. “We are always inspired by the response we get from our readers and excited to see the fruits of their generosity.” 

[CLICK HERE TO READ Msgr. Sean Ogle’s Letter to the Faithful About The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Fund]

DelCioppo noted that with prices of basic goods soaring due to record inflation and people still recovering from the pandemic, it is more important than ever to offer support to those who struggle to make ends meet. 

Last year, the campaign raised more than its $115,000 goal — a new record — to help diocesan and parish-based groups, as well as religious education programs, that have requested resources they can pass along to others. This year, because of the additional need, we’re setting our goal even higher — $125,000. 

Over the past decade, the campaign has received and distributed almost $1.4 million to purchase Christmas presents, food, materials that teach the faith, and other necessities. Bright Christmas began under the leadership of Deacon Don Zirkle, former editor of The Tablet, in the 1960s, when there was a booming movement to help inner-city children. 

[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MAIL IN FORM FOR GIVING]

At that time, the fund consisted of a few thousand dollars, distributed throughout the parishes in the diocese so children could partake in a Christmas celebration. 

Pastors, parish administrators, and directors of diocesan groups seeking assistance this Christmas should contact The Tablet as soon as possible. 

The campaign grants funds only to those parish groups and outreach efforts within the Diocese of Brooklyn that request help to brighten this holy season focused on the most important gifts of family and faith.