admin posted on December 09, 2011 18:05
2011 represents the 42nd consecutive year that the Men’s Club has coordinated our annual Christmas Basket Program for needy families in Williamson County. The Christmas Basket program depends upon the financial generosity and direct participation of the members of the Parish.
Community. Last year we assisted 300 families with basic foodstuffs for their pantries and wrapped more than 2,000 donated presents. The need this year is expected to be even greater! As you read this, we have already ordered more than $25,000 worth of staples and we haven’t yet raised the first dollar—we truly go by faith.
Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th
Christmas Basket Appeal - Offerings will be taken at all Masses to finance the Christmas Basket Program. In addition to purchasing foodstuffs, our expenses include the boxes (baskets) and gift cards for needy recipients.
Tuesday, December 13th
Toy & Coat Collection
5:00 to 7:30pm — Children and families of the parish are asked to buy new toys or coats, or bring favorite nearly new toys or clean, nearly new coats to the Community Center to be used in the Christmas baskets. PLEASE! Do not bring broken or dirty toys. No used stuffed animals.
Teenage gifts are especially needed. Let’s share our best with our needy neighbors, not our "junk". If you wrap your gifts, label them boy/girl with appropriate age range, please. And... Don't forget the batteries and safety helmets to go with the bikes!
Wednesday, December 14th
Toy Sorting
9:30am — Join the Women of St. Philip and help them sort and group the toys. We will make sure that the toys are grouped in the correct age categories.
Gift Wrapping
7:00pm — This is a family event. Bring the kids! All the toys and gifts received on Tuesday will be wrapped and labeled to be placed in the appropriate baskets on Friday. Refreshments will be served. Come join the fun & fellowship.
Thursday, December 15th
Dry Goods Delivered
7:00am —Many hands are needed to help unload the trailer truck full of dry goods that will be used to make the Christmas Baskets.
Visits to the Nursing Homes
5:15pm — Gifts are taken to five nursing homes in the area. Carols are sung to 450 residents. This is a great activity for the whole family!
Friday, December 16th
Basket Assembly
7:00pm — Again, bring the entire family as the food and gifts are distributed into the 300+ baskets, which will fill the Community Center. Enjoy refreshments and Christmas music.
Saturday, December 17th
Christmas Basket Delivery
8:00am — Beginning with a prayer service, the families of St Philip will spread out all over Williamson County to bring Christmas to our neighbors who would otherwise not have the special food and gifts of the season. This is, according to those who have participated, one of the highlights of the season and one of the very best things we do.