Gift of Giving Program Aims to Brighten Christmas for Area Families in Need Author: Diocese of Fall River In the News 4 Dec 2020 Share FALL RIVER — Catholic Social Services (CSS) is pleased to announce that its annual Gift of Giving program will continue this year. Due to the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the program is going to operate in a very different fashion. Normally, the success of this program depends on the generosity of donors from those parishes that partner with CSS in Gift of Giving and the over 150 volunteers who carry out the many moving pieces of the program. However, due to the restrictions on gathering and being able to safely socially distance, it is not possible to have the number of volunteers necessary to organize and execute the program the way it has been done in the past. Recognizing that there are still so many families and children in need this year, CSS wants to still be able to provide gifts and clothing, but in a way that keeps everyone safe. Therefore, instead of putting up trees at parishes throughout the Diocese with specific requests for gifts, clothing, and other necessities, CSS is asking that parishioners consider donating a gift card, in any denomination, from either Walmart, Target, or Amazon. This will allow CSS to provide gift cards to each of the families in the program so that they can have items delivered either directly to their door, or through contactless pick-up at the stores. CSS would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to those parishes and donors from across the entire Diocese that have supported and sustained this program in the past. In light of the pandemic CSS has come up with what it feels is the safest way to carry out this year’s, so that no one is put at risk. Those who are interested in donating a gift card to Gift of Giving should check to see if their parish is participating in the program as a community, and, if so, how to support it. Otherwise, individual donations may be sent to the CSS main office in Fall River, or dropped off at any CSS location listed below. Catholic Social Services (Main Office) 1600 Bay Street Fall River, MA 02724 Tel: 508-674-4681 Catholic Social Services 238 Bonney Street New Bedford, MA 02744 Tel: 508-997-7337 Catholic Social Services 261 South Street Hyannis, MA 02601 Tel: 508-771-6771 Please contact CSS at 508-674-4681 with any questions regarding the Gift of Giving program. Diocese of Fall River Office of Communications Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Uncategorized Related Posts In the News 16 Dec 2016 CSS Gift of Giving Program Helps Area Families in Need at Christmas FALL RIVER – For the 19th year, Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Fall River Diocese is sponsoring its Gift of Giving program to help brighten Christmas for hundreds of … Read More In the News 15 Dec 2017 Gift of Giving Again in Full Swing to Help Families in Need at Christmas FALL RIVER – Catholic Social Services’ headquarters in Fall River’s South End becomes an even busier place in the weeks leading up to Christmas as the agency’s annual Gift of … Read More Press Releases and Statements 16 Nov 2023 Catholic Charities Programs Aiming to Brighten Christmas for Area Families FALL RIVER – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River (CCFR) has announced it is again sponsoring its Gift of Giving program to support individuals and families in need … Read More