Something as simple as a donation of diapers, a tricycle or a football can bring a beautiful smile on Christmas morning.
Catholic Charities Christmas Connection program has been fulfilling the wishes and basic needs of hundreds of disadvantaged families and individuals from all religions, races and ethnic backgrounds for 44 years.
“Bringing the Christmas Spirit to those who need it most,” the program has expanded from serving 25 families in 1979 to over 500 families each year in the Big Bend area.
A listing of needs for 40 highlighted cases will run in the Tallahassee Democrat.
This year’s site is at 309 South Bronough St. (corner of Bronough and Pensacola, bottom level of Kleman Plaza). The site officially opens for donations from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26.
By working directly with over 30 local social service agencies across the region, we are able to identify and serve those who are most in need during the holidays. We serve families in Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Madison, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.
The Christmas Connection also coordinates Blanket Days. This year, donations of new blankets will be welcomed on Dec. 9-10 at the Christmas Connection site, 309 South Bronough St.
The Christmas Connection Program would not happen without the support of local communities. There are three ways you can help: Adopt a family, make a donation, or volunteer.
ADOPT A FAMILY
Help make a family’s Christmas memorable this year by adopting them for the holiday and assisting with their wish list. Fill out an adoption form at thechristmasconnection.org to adopt a family. The last day to adopt a family through the website is Dec. 11.
DONATIONS
Monetary donations raised during the holiday season are used not only during the holidays but throughout the year to assist families who have experienced an unexpected situation and need emergency financial assistance. To make a monetary donation, visit the website, or mail a gift directly to Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection, PO Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316. You may also hand-deliver your donation to the Christmas Connection Collection Site.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers make the magic happen. The Christmas Connection site will have volunteer time slots seven days a week from Nov. 26 through Dec. 17. Volunteers at the site sort, shop, and pack donations; however, much more than that needs to be done. Our greatest needs are volunteers willing to organize a Collection Drive or Adopt a Family. The volunteer slots at the site require advance registration through the website.
Donating new items
Donations of NEW items can be dropped off at the Christmas Connection site beginning Sunday, Nov. 26, during operating hours. Alternative donation sites can be found at thechristmasconnection.org website. Used items of any kind are NOT able to be accepted.
Gift Cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Gas, Groceries, Restaurants; $25 or $50 increments appreciated)
Children’s Toys, Games, and Books
Nonperishable Foods
Baby Toys
Baby Layette Items (bath towel, sleepers, receiving blankets, burp cloths)
Baby Diapers and Wipes
Bath and Beauty Sets
Tricycles
Bicycles and Helmets (size 12’, balance bikes, 16”, 20” and 24’)
New Blankets (all sizes)
Teenage Gift Items (jewelry, earbuds, hair accessories, movie passes)
Tablets
Toiletries
Small Household Appliances (Coffee maker, Toaster, etc.)
Pots and Pan Sets
Dish Sets
Glassware
Flatware
Cooking Utensils
Heaters
Fans
Opening hours and Wish List
We have created a Christmas Connection Amazon Wish List for your shopping convenience. Please help us make someone’s Christmas merry and bright by shopping directly from the Amazon Wish List linked on our website. Items purchased through the Wish List can be shipped directly to Christmas Connection.
The Christmas Connection site at 309 South Bronough Street (corner of Bronough and Pensacola, bottom level of Kleman Plaza). Hours of operation on Nov. 26-Dec. 17: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Donations can be delivered to the site or checks can be mailed to: Christmas Connection c/o: Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, Inc, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.
For more information on Christmas Connection, visit thechristmasconnection.org.
Pattie Malarney is the Christmas Connection Coordinator. Mary Coburn is the Christmas Connection Community Outreach – Public Relations.
How to help
Donate in person: Drop off donated items at the Christmas Connection site at 309 South Bronough Street (corner of Bronough and Pensacola, bottom level of Kleman Plaza). The site is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Days of operation are Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Deadline for donated items is Dec. 11.
Wish List: Shop early and shop easy with the Christmas Connection Amazon wish list. You can view the wish list at the website TheChristmasConnection.org.
Blanket Days: Drop off new blankets and heaters from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the 309 South Bronough location. A volunteer will help you unload your car.
Donate online or by mail: Make a monetary donation online at TheChristmasConnection.org or send a check to Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.
Adopt a family: Complete a brief request form on the website and a family in need will be assigned to you by the volunteer adoption coordinator. All families are referred to us from social service organizations in the Big Bend area.
Host a Christmas Connection collection drive or holiday party: Gather people from your office, school, church, sports team, family or friends and host a party or collection drive. Sign up online on the website and then collect gift items, gift cards and/or monetary donations, which can be brought to the collection site.