Please help brighten Christmas for children who are served by the St. Martin of Tours parish in Washington, D.C. Father Michael Kelley, pastor of St. Martin’s, who would welcome our help, said that most of the kids are African-American, and that dolls, always popular gifts for little girls, should reflect this. Basketballs and other items that appeal to city children are wanted (no footballs, please). Toys should be purchased with infants and children up to the age of thirteen in mind. Father Kelley said that tweens particularly like receiving arts and crafts kits for decorating purses or bracelets. The usual amount spent on a gift is $10 to $15.
Do not wrap the gifts, as they will be wrapped by volunteers at church on December 19. Father Kelley emphasized that volunteers for wrapping are especially needed. Last year seventy volunteers wrapped around 1500 gifts. The gifts are given out at a Christmas party on December 21. It is complete with Santa and digital pictures to help kids create Christmas memories. If you would like to volunteer, the church is located at 1908 North Capital Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
Since the need for toys is great, we will conduct the toy drive from November 1 through December 10. Toys can be brought to the vestibule or coffee hour.