(KNSI) — Record high inflation and gas and grocery prices have local officials saying they’re likely to need help for more struggling families this Christmas.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud’s Share the Spirit campaign matches sponsors with families who need an extra boost at Christmas. Catholic Charities Emergency Services Program Manager Eric Vollen says they helped more than 11 hundred individuals in 2021 and expect more families to ask for help this year.
“One thousand one hounded and ninety individuals received gifts through this program in the St. Cloud area. And that was 284 households. This was an increase from the previous year in 2020 and there could very well be an increase again this season.”
While the popular Christmas song says it’s the most wonderful time of the year, Vollen adds, “that’s not the case for everyone. For many, the holidays are a difficult time for various reasons. Especially those who are experiencing financial hardships and for those who are not able to provide gifts for their children and also for themselves.”
The families are referred by area social workers, medical providers and educators. Families, individuals, businesses, organizations and churches can sponsor. Sponsors are asked to spend $70 per person in a family and can choose the family size.
Wrapped presents should be dropped off at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in St. Cloud on Thursday, December 15th. Sponsored families or their area social workers pick up gifts the following day.
Click here to sponsor a Share the Spirit family and submit the Sponsor a Family online donor form. For those unable to sponsor a household, online donations are also accepted through the website or by mail to Catholic Charities, 911 18th Street North, St. Cloud, MN 56303.
___
Copyright 2022 Leighton Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!