St. Mary Church encourages the holiday spirit with their Giving Tree

ALGOMA – St. Mary’s Catholic Church has served the Lake Michigan community of Algoma and the surrounding area since 1860. For the past 30 years, that service has included an annual Giving Tree, which helps community programs and individuals in need by providing gifts.

The church’s Stewardship Committee facilitates the program each year. The committee has eight members, including leader Linda Andre, who has been leading the program since it began.

Committee member Mary Bohman said the purpose of the Giving Tree event is to help individuals in need, especially those in community programs, and to show that people care about them.

The committee operates in partnership with the Kewaunee County Department of Human Services (KCDHS), using their understanding of local needs and established client networks. The committee also collaborates with various other local organizations, including senior living facilities, assisted living centers and other community support services. This network is key for identifying individuals and families who would benefit most from the program’s assistance, ensuring that the aid reaches those truly in need within the community.

A core function of this partnership is the provision of anonymous donations, which is designed to preserve the dignity and privacy of all recipients. The partner organizations, such as the KCDHS or the senior facilities, take the lead in compiling detailed lists of specific items that their clients need or wish for.

These requests are varied, ranging from winter clothes and basic household supplies to much-desired toys for children.

Once these lists are compiled, they are confidentially shared with the church committee. The committee then translates these wishes into a tangible and public request by putting each wish onto a card. These cards are then hung on the decorated Giving Tree, allowing them to be taken by any parish member or a member of the wider general community who wishes to participate. This process allows the church to act as an intermediary, connecting the generosity of the community directly with the identified, specific and genuine needs of Kewaunee County’s most vulnerable residents.

Gifts can be dropped off at the church, located at 214 Church St., Algoma, until Sunday, Dec. 7. They should be under $50 and exclude heavy items like water or soda.

Bohman said the need isn’t always met with donated gifts alone, but former committee member Alice Moran wanted a fund started in her name when she passed away, which her family has continued to put money in each year. Church members then take that money to buy what hasn’t been fulfilled, which ensures they can provide gifts to as many community members in need as possible, extending their reach and impact beyond the limits of donated items alone and upholding Moran’s founding vision of community support.

The church encourages members of the community to spread the holiday spirit this winter by granting the wishes of those who would otherwise go empty-handed this Christmas.