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AUBURN — In an effort to help children and families in need during Advent for many, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and Catholic Charities Maine are working together to host Jolly Gifts, an initiative that aims to warm hearts and offer support to parish and community members as they prepare for Christmas.
All are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy or gift to the Jolly Gifts display in the entrances of the parish churches — Sacred Heart Church, 8 Sacred Heart Place, and St. Philip Church, 2365 Turner Road until Dec. 13.
Participants can also drop off their donations during business hours at the offices of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 24 Sacred Heart Place, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“Gift suggestions would be simple board games, dolls, action figures, arts and crafts activities for older children, or sports items,” said Deacon Denis Mailhot, parish social ministry coordinator for Immaculate Heart of Mary.
All items donated will be given to Catholic Charities Maine, which will distribute them to families in need that have been referred to the organization by community partners.
“Our parish was overwhelmed by the generosity and number of children’s Christmas gifts donated last Christmas,” said Mailhot. “We hope that working with Catholic Charities Maine again this Christmas will provide gifts to needy families, providing many children with joy and happiness, as families struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We see the power of giving every day at Catholic Charities Maine,” said Bill Wood, of Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry.”To see these children and families smiling as they receive these gifts is so impactful. You realize that these are more than gifts, they are feeding the spirit as well.”
For more information about Jolly Gifts or to make a financial donation, contact Mailhot at 207-782-8096, ext. 1203, or Wood at bwood@ccmaine.org.
