Each year, we invite our readers to help us help others brighten someone else’s Christmas. It’s an opportunity to assist those who for one reason or another just do not have enough resources this year.
We call it The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Campaign, and it has been going on for about 50 years. Last year, we collected more than $125,000 that we redistributed to the poor and needy through our parishes and diocesan agencies.
The average donation is about $33. Some folks send us $1,000; others send $100; and still others send us $1. It all adds up and we are very grateful for every buck we receive.
To identify needs, we invite parish and diocesan leaders to tell us how they will use the funds when making requests. Right on schedule, the letters have been landing on my desk.
Helen Foster, the director of religious education at St. Rita’s parish in Long Island City, wrote to us for help with a Christmas breakfast for the children and their families.
“I plan on having the children decorate a Christmas tree with gifts that they will give to Jesus,” says Foster. “We will make crafts during the party. There will be plenty of juice, hot chocolate, tea and coffee and breakfast foods for all.
“Christmas music and Santa will be an added plus.”
She tells us that each class also will present a Christmas tradition.
Of course, in order to carry out her plans, she needs money and that’s where we come in. We will send her some of the money that you, our readers, send to us so that the kids in Long Island City can have a festive Christmas party.
Similarly, we received a request from Sister Mary Our Lady of Peace – known to most people as Sister Peace. She’s the youth minister of SS. Peter and Paul parish in Williamsburg, where she is hoping to present a gala Christmas play that will rely on the talents of the children in the religious education program and the youth group.
“Even though we live in a neighborhood that is being gentrified, the majority of our parishioners (95 percent) come from low-income housing and the median family income is around $25,000,” explains Sister Peace.
“This play brings the Christmas story truly alive in the hearts of those who come and join us and spend a day celebrating, sharing, and experiencing this joyous time together as a parish community.”
We’re looking forward to helping Sister Peace and the wonderful parishioners of Williamsburg, thanks to your generous contributions.
You can donate to Bright Christmas by sending a check to us and making it out to DeSales Media Group with a notation for Bright Christmas. The Tablet address is 1712 Tenth Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215.
The sooner you make your contribution, the quicker we can help Helen Foster, Sister Peace and the children of Brooklyn and Queens.