Just in time, Tablet readers are responding to our Bright Christmas appeal. We were off to a slow start this year, but as I write this, more than 1,000 people already have sent in over $45,000 and there is a lot of mail still to be opened.
The average donation thus far is $42.78, which is about $10 more than the average donation last year.
But, of course, some contributions are more than the average, and most are less. It all adds up and no one has to apologize for giving what they can give, although they do.
Like Lucy who mailed us $30 with a note, “Sorry, I can’t give more.”
Theresa Coccaro from Massapequa Park sent a generous donation with this note: “Hoping and praying your drive this year will be very successful. During these stressful times, I know how difficult things will be.”
Faithful letter writer Sam Repole, a retired mailman from Sunset Park, writes, “One of the wonderful ways that makes life worth living is when you help others to smile a little. What better time than on the birthday of Our Lord.”
Boy Scout Troop No. 22 from St. Francis Xavier parish, Park Slope, chipped in with a nice donation. And then there were two students from Immaculate Conception School, Jamaica, third grader Brianna Denise Wright and fifth grader Ariel Narine, who sent in $1 each. What a blessing to receive those two.
Angela Scicutella sent a generous check with a note that read: “we have been participating for years and hope to continue for years to come.” That kind of loyalty is priceless.
We always enjoying hearing from our former neighbors, like Kay Cork Albright, a longtime resident of Brooklyn and graduate of St. Brendan’s School, Midwood, who now lives in Port Washington, L.I. She adds, “I love reading The Tablet.” That’s the kind of message that brightens the Christmas season for us.
Some people, like Eileen Mullen, actually thank us for providing the opportunity to give to Bright Christmas.
It’s we, Eileen, who thank you for your generosity and goodness.
Checks from Bright Christmas are going out as the donations come in. The sooner they arrive, the better for those who will receive your help.
The Tablet has ben carrying on this Bright Christmas tradition for more than 40 years. The program has grown in leaps and bounds as more and more readers learn about it and sign on to help. Last year, we received more than $110,000, which provided a huge lift to parishes and diocesan agencies that needed help at Christmas.
Once again, let me explain our simple work. I appeal to you. You send me money. I distribute the money to pastors, religious and laypeople in diocesan institutions who work with children. Those leaders, who have not yet requested help, should do so immediately.
Just because things have picked up, it doesn’t mean that we don’t need your offering. Don’t wait! Time is of the essence as we rush to beat the Christmas deadlines. Send the check to The Tablet’s Bright Christmas at our new address: 1712 Tenth Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215.