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Catholic Charities helps those in need year-round and at Christmas
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Catholic Charities helps people year-round in the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown but makes a special effort during the Christmas season to aid families who are struggling.
Rachel A. Hrbolich, associate director of social services for Catholic Charities, said some 3,900 households received holiday help last year. Catholic Charities Regional Agency, which serves Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, provided yuletide assistance to 1,737 individuals last year.
Nancy Voitus, executive director of CCRA, said some families who receive Christmas help have been clients during the year while others seek aid during this season. “We see a lot of households headed by a single female,” she said. “Many people do have jobs but just don’t make enough to cover the extras.”
Voitus said the agency generally follows the federal poverty guidelines when giving assistance. CCRA offers a Christmas toy and gift program in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. In Columbiana County, clients are referred to the Way Station and Big Reach; that is part of CCRA’s collaboration with other agencies to meet needs.
In Mahoning County, CCRA will conduct the holiday distribution Dec. 18 and 19 at St. Edward Church. Voitus said some 530 children will be helped in this effort. To donate or volunteer, contact Sarah Luzik at 330-744-3320.
In Trumbull County, a distribution will take place Dec. 17 and 18 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Warren, where nearly 200 children will receive holiday help. To donate or volunteer, contact Valerie Thomas at 330-393-4254.
At the distributions, food boxes and food vouchers also will be distributed.
Voitus said the agency still is accepting donations of toys for toddlers to 7-year-olds. Donations come from individuals, parishes, businesses and other community sources.
Though applications for Christmas help began being accepted in October, some late-comers may be helped, depending on donations, Voitus said. Clients are asked to provide “wish lists” of what children want. Agency staff details children’s ages and clothing sizes. Sponsors, who “adopt families,” use that information to buy appropriate items.
CCRA also has a senior-support program for clients 65 years and older in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties and provides Christmas gifts. About 50 seniors are in this program. Voitus said donations of paper and cleaning products, hats, gloves, scarves and lap blankets are always welcome.
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County is part of HALO (Holiday Angels Loving Others), a countywide Christmas program that serves about 1,500 households. Families in need of Christmas assistance signed up in October, then HALO collaborators matched families with sponsors who buy gifts for children in the household and provide the family with food for Christmas. Sponsors are churches, businesses, organizations and individuals.
Catholic Charities in Portage and Stark counties also registered people for Christmas help in October. The Portage site has registered 159 households with 540 individuals and also has a waiting list. The Canton office has coordinated the adoption of 87 families and partners with Stark County parishes and local organizations. Christmas recipients are selected from internal clients.
For more information on Catholic Charities, visit www.ccdoy.org or call 330-744-8451.