Thank you to all who helped with our Christmas Outreach 2020 program by volunteering time; donating gift cards, money, or gifts; knitting mittens, scarves, or hats; organizing, delivering, packaging, etc.
Christmas Outreach Program 2021:
The St. Vincent de Paul Society and Social Ministry Committee of St. Benedict Parish are planning our annual Christmas Outreach Program to aid the neediest families in the Canandaigua community.
We will be accepting applications from families starting on October 2 through November 6, on Tuesdays, Thursdays , and Saturdays from 11am–2pm. Applicants need to come in person to the St. Vincent de Paul Society Voucher Room (#25) at 120 North Main Street in Canandaigua.
When completing the application, children 16 years and younger will receive gifts. Birth certificates for proof of age are necessary. Tags will be placed in church for parishioners to take and buy gifts for children.
During the Christmas season, the St. Vincent de Paul Society will distribute food gift cards to every applicant family or individual applicant from Canandaigua grocery chains.
We realize that will not be an easy financial task. We are asking parishioners to consider making a financial donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Society would be forever grateful if you could see your way clear to help those most in need during this difficult time of the year.
On your checks, please indicate on the “memo” line if you would like your donation to be used for: food gift cards, gifts, or Migrant Ministry. All checks should be made out to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and dropped in either the Sunday collection basket or mailed to The St. Vincent de Paul Society, 120 North Main Street, Mailbox 17, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Please DO NOT make checks out to St. Benedict Parish. If anyone wishes to buy gifts for an entire family, please call Mary Schmidt at (585) 394-0378.
Please pray for the success of this year’s Christmas Outreach Program! Thanks in advance for your care, concern, and generosity for those who most need of our love and our assistance. As Jesus reminded us time and again: “The poor, they will always be with us.”
Mittens, etc. Needed for Christmas Outreach
We are in need of mittens, hats, and scarves for infants and children to be distributed with the Christmas food baskets to families in the Canandaigua and Farmington areas. Due to your generosity, over 200 children received mittens last year. This year, donations should be received no later than Wednesday, December 5. Items should be labeled “Christmas Outreach” and dropped off inside the Dougherty Hall entrance of St. Mary’s Church and placed in the wooden collection box or you may call Marcia Webster at (585) 394-6836 to arrange for a pick up. Thank you for your ongoing support of this important community program.