Thank you for helping a needy family at Christmas! This is the most joyful work we do all year and we could not do it without all the generous parishioners like you who are willing to reach out and make a sacrifice for someone who is struggling in poverty. We have made a special effort to select individuals and families whom we know could use assistance. Your efforts are sure to make their holidays brighter. The families are told they can expect to receive food for the holidays. Anything above that is up to you. They will be very grateful for your help. We suggest the best way of giving holiday food is to provide a gift card to Kroger, Parkway or simply a VISA card that may be used at any store. That way, the family may choose food of their own liking – whether it’s ham, turkey, or fish, fresh sides and the makings of family-favorite desserts. Typically, $100 is a good amount to cover a nice holiday meal that may include not only the immediate family but other friends and relatives as well. Feel free to add tokens of the Christmas season. If you wish to provide gifts for the children, you may simply choose age-appropriate toys or treats. If you wish to provide clothes, you will have to contact the family to get sizes. Gift cards make excellent choices for adults and older teens. Many families are dealing with high DTE bills due to poorly insulated old homes that are difficult to heat. Hoodies, sweatshirts, and warm throws are always appreciated. When you call your family, please say you are a member of St. Ambrose Church working with the St. Vincent DePaul Society and will be assisting them this Christmas season.

Things to keep in mind:
 
1) December 15 - Please contact your family no later than December 15 to arrange a mutually agreeable time to deliver your gifts. Enjoy the love and thanks you will certainly receive! If you would like us to deliver for you, please call Randy (see below.) We are happy to do this for you and there is no need for you to contact the family. We will do that for you. PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF GIFTS AT THE RECTORY.
 
 2) You may choose to use "*67" before calling to mask your telephone number. If you do this and no one answers, leave a message (if possible) to let the person know you will be calling from an unidentified number and will try again later. Then call again. Some people do not pick up the first time when the number is unidentified. If you cannot reach them despite several attempts, please call Randy (see below.)
 
3) Occasionally, a family will call after the holidays to ask for additional assistance.  Please refer them to the rectory at 313-822-2814. Our conference is ready and willing to help them.
 
4) Please do not deliver to any address other than the one on the information sheet. If you are requested to do this, please contact Randy (see below.)
 
5) If for some reason you are unable fulfill the obligations of this program, please let us know and will find another adopter. The family has been told they are part of this program and we cannot let them down. Thanks very much.

In you have any additional questions, please email or call Randy (rrennpage@gmail.com, 313-333-4230 (cell))
 
Thank you so much and God bless you,

Randy Rennpage
President, St. Vincent DePaul Society St. Ambrose Conference