- Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi is hosting their 57th annual Community Christmas Toy Distribution event
- The toy distribution will be held Dec. 18-21
- Pre-registered families will receive toys for the holidays through donations from local organizations and community members
- Families will also be provided with Christmas meals
- Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi are looking for volunteers to help with the increase of families in need
Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi is hosting their 57th annual Community Christmas meal and toy distribution event for the holidays.
Last year, the organization provided for more than 2,300 meals to families along with dozens of toys during the Christmas season. This year, that has changed. Volunteers will give out at least 2,500 meals to families and toys to nearly 1,241 children who have pre-registered.
Anita Rivera, the organization's emergency aid director said they noticed the increase from helping families in their food pantry.
"This year we had to increase it again because the need in the food pantry is higher every day," Rivera said. "It’s increased from last year by about 57% in the pantry. So we said, we better increase the Christmas gift baskets to provide for a little larger group."
Not only has the number of families in need increased this holiday season, the organization has created a waiting list in hopes to accommodate. However, none of that can be done without the volunteers and there has been a need for more of them as well.
Georgine and Rick Scheidel have volunteered during the Christmas season for nearly 5 years. They said the event allowed them to give back to those who are less fortunate.
“It’s nice to see people that come in and you know that they’re struggling and the ability to give them food or to give their children toys, that’s our way of giving back to Corpus Christi," Rick said.
Catholic Charities said their annual Community Christmas distribution is more than just handing out meals and toys. It's about providing for a community, seeing their smiling faces and bringing joy to families during the season of giving.
“I was so glad that Catholic Charities is able to help the community who is in great need. It just humbles me that I’m able to do that and I’m able to provide that through Catholic Charities," Rivera said.
Distribution dates for annual toy giveaway:
Monday, Dec. 18 - Rural and outside agencies
8 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 19 - Food and toy giveaway for last names A-L
8 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Blessing of the people with Bishop Mulvey at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 20 - Food and toy giveaway for last names M-Z
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 21 - Final day for food and toy giveaway
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. (office closes at 11:30 a.m.)
The event is not open to the public. You must have registered in order be on the distribution list. However, the deadline has closed. But there is still a great need for volunteers like the Scheidels.
If you are interested in participating, go to the website or contact Catholic Charities of Corpus Christiand ask to speak with Kathy Pekar, the organization's Director of Special Projects.
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