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AUBURN — Christmas gifts donated by Immaculate Heart of Mary parishioners for the Jolly Gifts program have exceeded all expectations, deacon Denis Mailhot, the parish social ministry coordinator, said.
The program encourages parishioners to bring a new unwrapped toy or gift to a parish church (Sacred Heart Church or St. Philip Church) during Advent. Thanks to the generosity of many, more than 250 children’s gifts were collected.
“I am pleased that even during a pandemic filled with fear and anxiety, our social ministry and outreach program enabled the parish community to bring Christmas joy, peace and happiness into the lives of children, providing struggling families with a rejuvenated faith for a new year filled with love, hope, and peace,” Mailhot said.
In addition to the gifts, more than $600 in cash donations were donated. Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry program will distribute the toys to children in need.
“There are many people in our state wishing for a little help to get through the hardest months of the year,” said Susan McGaulley, manager of Parish Social Ministry. “As we’re all experiencing isolation, we’re so grateful that generous donors came together to show all that the spirit of the season is alive and well, right here where it belongs: with caring neighbors.”
“To see these children and families smiling as they receive these gifts is so impactful,” said Bill Wood of Parish Social Ministry. “You realize that these are more than gifts, they are feeding the spirit as well.”
