Because of generous donations to our Saint Joseph Perpetual Help Fund during Christmas 2018, Catholic Charities was able to raise more than $36,000 to purchase gift cards to help 200 families this most recent holiday season. We wanted to share with you some of the kind words we received from those families, as well as from the parishes and Saint Vincent de Paul councils who nominated the families. One of the parishes who participated helped families in need through a local elementary school. A staff member from the elementary school wrote to us: “Thank you for taking such good care of three of our families this Christmas! Our families were delighted by the generous gift and the opportunity to shop for their children at Christmas…It really makes a difference for these families who are struggling to keep their heads above water on a daily basis.” “Thanks for sending the gift cards,” wrote another parish representative. “So many were able to have a Merry Christmas. They were so happy to receive (the gift cards)!!” One of the families who was helped wrote: “Thank you for providing this generous gift. My wife and I have been fostering and later, adopting and raising five children, and it hasn’t always been easy, especially around Christmas time. As well, we are helping raise two small granddaughters, so your gift will go to some good use.” “When I took in my niece and nephew this year, I never thought I would become financially stressed,” wrote the head of another family. “When I went to pick up gifts and food from our parish, I was overwhelmed with the additional gift cards from Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. The generosity you showed us is beyond words! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping my family make our holidays very joyful!” The president of one of the St. Vincent de Paul councils who participated wrote: “We are amazed at your thoughtfulness, and for coming to the aid of those in need this Christmas season. The donation of gift cards will go a long way in ensuring they wake up to a heart-filled and joyful Christmas morning – one free from worry, a day that they can enjoy as a family, all because of your kindness.” Another St Vincent DePaul representative writes: “The plentiful gift cards allowed us to provide much needed assistance at Christmas to struggling families living in our service area…We’re very grateful for the generosity of Catholic Charities and the many people who contributed to the St. Joseph Perpetual Help Fund, which has afforded us the opportunity to provide timely assistance to make life a little better for those we visit. With your support our conference has been able to make a positive impact on the lives of families in our Detroit community in their time of need.” “Know that you brought joy to three families,” wrote another St. Vincent representative. “One lady who takes care of her grandchildren, abandoned by their mother, cried and kept hugging me when she received the gift cards. I asked her to pray for all those responsible for the gift, and she promised she would. Only the Lord knows how much joy and relief your efforts at CCSEM have brought.” A special thank you to all of you who donated to support our fund this year. May God bless you!