Through HNOJ Christmas Giving, our community generously donates items for Operation Christmas Child, students at Ascension Catholic School and children at Sharing and Caring Hands and Mary’s Place through Santa’s Toy Box. In November, parishioners are encouraged to learn about each of these giving opportunities and consider generously contributing to any—or all!—of these important causes.
From Nov. 4-15, 2023, we collect items for Operation Christmas Child, Ascension Catholic School and Santa’s Toy Box all in one convenient place designated in the Gathering Space.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 5-7 p.m. we will have our Operation Christmas Child packing party!
Giving to Ascension Catholic School
Ascension Catholic School is a place where students defy the odds. In the midst of poverty (86% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch), students are excelling academically, beyond state averages. In addition, 100% of Ascension students who recently finished eighth grade moved on to graduate high school. In place of our Ascension Gift Bag Program, this year we will collect items in bulk. You can donate basic items and toys for children at any grade level (K-8).
Examples of items include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hats, mittens and gloves
- Crafts, playing cards and board games
- Sports balls, Frisbees, sidewalk chalk, outdoor games
- Handheld electric games (if it takes batteries, please include extra)
- Action figures, dolls (of color, please)
- Books (preferably books with characters of color) for all ages
- Grade-specific flash cards
- Gifts for students in Grades 6-8
Giving to Santa’s Toy Box
Santa's Toy Box serves children at Sharing and Caring Hands and Mary's Place. These children are homeless or in transition, and we can offer the comfort and care of Christmas through our contributions. The gifts you donate will make a big difference in the life of a child on Christmas morning! New and unwrapped gifts are needed for children of all ages (including teens).
Examples of toys and activities you can donate include:
-Basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, Frisbees
-Stuffed animals
-Board games and puzzles
-Hand-held electronic games (with batteries
included)
-Dolls and action figures (of color, please)
-Markers, molding clay, crafts
-Toys for ages two to three years
-Gifts for teens ages 13-16
-Gift cards for Target or Walmart
PLEASE NOTE: Many of the children in need are older pre-teens and teens