For over 30 years the St. Jude Giving Tree Program has been bringing Christmas joy to those in need in Allen and the surrounding area.
Over the course of several weeks, through the most generous and joyous spirit of our St. Jude Community, tree tags were made by the American Heritage Girls and placed on the Giving Tree by volunteers. Parishioners took the tags off the Giving Tree, purchased gifts and returned them to the church. Donations were made to the K of C “coat drive”, RE “blanket drive”, Youth “winter accessories” drive and Sunshine and Rainbows “sock & underwear drive” to insure each gift could be supplemented with needed items. Volunteers delivered presents to the Home Bound, Victoria Gardens Missionaries of Charity and the Veteran’s Home in Bonham. Parish families helped sort the gifts, volunteers checked and shopped for missing gifts with gift cards that were purchased when the cry was put out on Flocknote with the need. RCIA participants and team, as their service project, helped with gift pick-up night as families came to pick up their gifts. Through the love and generosity of our parish, the true spirit of Christmas was able to Shine as The Giving Tree helped 998 people have Christmas!