Our annual “Giving Tree” program seems more crucial than ever this year. With the impact of COVID 19 and the many subsequent restrictions, in order to continue this wonderful tradition of reaching out to our brothers and sisters in need, we are changing the format this year. Instead of asking you to go out and buy gifts and drop them off at St. Anthony’s as we have done in the past, we are inviting you to make a monetary donation to any of the agencies/organizations we are supporting this Christmas. Volunteer online shoppers from St. Anthony’s will take these funds and use them to purchase the requested gifts and have them shipped directly to these agencies. If you could make your donation by no later than November 29th that would be most appreciated! As always, thank you for your efforts here at St. Anthony’s to spread a little Christmas! There are two ways to participate, either online or by taking a tag off of our Giving Tree in the lobby of the church. Here are the instructions for each:
Online:
You can simply scroll down the list of the six different agencies to the right of this page (each represented by a different colored tree) and click on the link for the particular agency you wish to support for Christmas. If you don’t have a preference, you can make a general donation but clicking on the link at the bottom of the list (brown) instead and we will apply it according to need. When you click, you will be brought to our online payment program called WeShare where you will be given a number of payment options.
Taking a Tag:
Starting this weekend, as in years past, you can take a tag/ornament off of the Giving Tree in the lobby of the church. There are six different colored ornaments representing the six different agencies we are supporting this year. Every ornament contains a suggested donation. Please check off or write in the amount you wish to donate on the tag and enclose it with your donation in an envelope that can be dropped off at the Parish Office or placed in the collection basket after Masses. All checks should be made out to St. Anthony of Padua Church. Please write the name of the agency you are supporting in the memo section of the church.
We are looking for volunteers to help us shop online for this year’s Christmas Giving Tree Program. Using the monetary donations from St. Anthony of Padua parishioners, you would shop online to purchase the gifts requested by each agency and have the items shipped directly to them. Basically, you are just placing an order. We will have a short instructional meeting (virtual will be offered as an option) to review these details with you. If you have some spare time and would like to help with this worthwhile project, please leave a message for Arlene Viscomi at the Parish Office at 914-948-1480 or you can volunteer by clicking here and sending us email.
Thank you