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
Diocese of Fall River
Office of Communications