Let the Bright Christmas Campaign begin!
Actually, requests for funding have already arrived. Some donations are being processed. Now, for the official opening!
For more than 40 years, The Tablet has conducted its Bright Christmas drive to help needy kids enjoy Christmas. The process is simple. We make a plea to our readers for money. You send some dollars to us. We in turn send them to religious leaders in Brooklyn and Queens to buy Christmas gifts for children in their care.
Pastors and agency directors use the funds to pay for Christmas parties and to buy gifts that are distributed to young people who might not otherwise receive a present this Christmas.
One veteran pastor from inner city parishes writes that he hopes to help friends from the past. He specifically cites those who are unemployed; mothers whom he promised help if they chose life over abortion; guys who need winter coats and boots to go to work; and children whose parents simply cannot afford Christmas. Bright Christmas will help him!
Sister Mary of the Angelus, S.S.V.M., director of religious education at Mary Mother of the Church parish in East New York, writes that last year they were able to provide a party for the children on the Feast of the Three Kings. Each child received a religious gift and some money was left over to take care of the participants in a special boys’ group. This year, the parish also hopes to add something new for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“The catechists have come together and decided to rotate Masses on these two sacred days, dressed as Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, along with shepherds to give a visual representation of the true meaning of Christmas,” says Sister Mary.
“In addition to greeting the people as they come into Mass, they will remain outside to greet people in the neighborhood. After Mass, we would like Mary and Joseph to be able to give out goody bags to all the children who come.” Bright Christmas will help make it possible!
Father Jose Carlos da Silva, administrator of St. Rita’s parish, Long Island City, expressed his thanks for helping him help the needy in the parish last year.
“We know that these children otherwise would not have the opportunity to enjoy such wonderful pleasures,” he says. “I am sure their little eyes would light up for the entire Christmas season.” Bright Christmas will help again!
Of course, some of our residents are still suffering from the ravages of Superstorm Sandy, as Father Claudio Antecini, pastor of Visitation, Red Hook, reminds us.
“They are still reeling from the effects of Sandy,” he says. “The loss of some of our parishioners can be seen in the eyes of the children who suffered the most. Our church gave out over 1,000 bags of clothes, food, and other staples.
“We will gladly use the money for the many families in Red Hook who are still in great need.” Bright Christmas will help!
Please help us to assist our faithful clergy and church workers who minister among the poor and needy. To participate, simply make out a check to The Tablet’s Bright Christmas and send it to Bright Christmas, The Tablet, 1712 Tenth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215. We will keep you up to date as the campaign proceeds.