Florida Catholic | Christmas Angels

‘Angels’ brighten Christmas for needy

Volunteers fill shopping carts and Christmas wish lists for more than 400 families in need.

KATHY GROBE | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 01.11.08

Laura Hempel of the James S. Rickards High School National Honor Society, bags one of her selections for a Christmas Connection client. Volunteers filled Christmas lists of necessities and gift wishes Dec. 15 for more than 400 needy Tallahassee area families who registered with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida's Tallahassee regional office.
TIM GROBE | FC

TALLAHASSEE | They came, they saw, they conquered.

Disguised as holiday angels, Christmas Connection staffers and volunteers met head-on the challenge of making Christmas merry for hundreds of families in the Tallahassee area. Thanks to their efforts, more than 400 families knew the blessings of a merry Christmas.

Early on a Saturday morning 10 days before Christmas, A.J. Smith, from Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida’s Tallahassee regional office, threw open the doors to a warehouse in west Tallahassee to welcome the day’s first volunteers. There was little time to waste and Smith handed out instructions quickly and efficiently.

Many of the volunteers were juniors and seniors at James S. Rickards High School and members of its National Honor Society. Reporting to the “911 dispatch center” inside the cavernous space, they worked by themselves or in teams, each fulfilling an assigned wish list for a Christmas Connection client.

The large room was filled with rows of donations — clothing of all shapes and sizes, furniture, toys, cosmetics, housewares and more. Combing the aisles just as they would in a department store, volunteers added items to their shopping carts, checking things off their lists until the client’s needs had been met and wishes fulfilled. Leaving the items in another area designated for completed cases, they picked up another list and started the whole process anew. Before the gifts were delivered, a bag of food — including a Christmas ham — was added to provide recipients with a holiday dinner.

Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, joined other volunteer shoppers. Hunting down housewares and toiletries, he sifted through a box of lotions and creams, seeking something special for his client. Consulting some of the high school volunteers, he eliminated items as he gathered them until his list was completed and in the delivery staging area.

Outside in the bustling lobby of the warehouse, Smith juggled tasks and demands with grace and efficiency. He stopped for a moment to chat, smiling at the widespread support as donations and new volunteers flowed in. “This is just a part of how the community has responded to us,” he said. The athletic department at Tallahassee’s two universities stepped up in support of the Christmas Connection, he pointed out. “FAMU (Florida A&M University) has asked people to bring a food item to tonight’s basketball game and Florida State has asked for toys at its next game.”

The flow of volunteers continued and soon Cub Scouts, families, a real estate agent, a local TV anchorwoman, couples and single adults joined the high school honor students at the Christmas Connection. They all had a common goal — making Christmas special for folks who might not otherwise have a happy holiday. Several young boys joined an adult in preparing bicycles donated for clients; they helped by “test driving” the bikes to ensure their safety. Elsewhere, children helped their parents pick out toys and clothing. Husbands and wives helped each other choose items that would make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.

As the morning drew to a close, Mark Dufva, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, and Bishop Ricard rounded out their Christmas Connection experience. Their automotive “sleigh” was loaded with toys and linens, and a local merchant planned to donate and deliver a new bed soon. The client, single mother Sidney Wright and her 7-year-old son Benjamin Kirby Wright, welcomed the group with smiles and thanks, happiness and good feelings that are common in Christmas Connection clients.

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‘Angels’ brighten Christmas for needy

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