During this time of social isolation, we invite you to visit this link and find ways to remain connected to your faith and your parish family.

Many people have been asking if Saint Clare is again coordinating the historic Christmas Basket Program. The answer is a resounding yes. The need is even greater this year than usual. We are again asking for your help and that of our broader community to bring holiday support to many who might otherwise face a very difficult holiday season. There are many ways to participate and we ask that you consider the options and commit to help in those aspects of the program to which you feel led. You can help by providing funds for the purchase of food baskets; helping with the provision, preparation, and distribution of toys; receiving, labelling, or distributing food baskets; or providing additional financial support. Here are the details:

Provide a food basket for a family of 2, 4, 6, or 8 family members. Because of the pandemic, Meijer in Richmond has generously offered to shop for us, to box the goods, and to deliver them to St. Clare at no additional cost. They are also providing substantial discounts. They ask that we share our numbers by December 16th to assure products are available.

You can pay online with either a credit card or an electronic check. Just go to the website www.cdlex.org and click on the DONATE BUTTON. Next, you will click on the “Donate Here” banner, then “Give to your local parish” and select St. Clare from the list. There is a box specifically for CHRISTMAS BASKETS.

1. If you prefer to mail a check, please send it to Saint Clare Catholic Church at 622 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403 before the 16th
2. Contact Dennis Jacobs @ 606.386.1921 or dnjacobs2@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. You are also welcome to share the link with those of good will who you think may want to get involved with our program. Some people are looking for opportunities that they know will help those in need. This is their chance.

Volunteers are needed to help get toys to needy children. (volunteers must be 16 years of age or older) Toys are desperately needed. Though it makes things a bit more complicated, all engagement will follow CDC guidelines including mask wearing, social distancing, hand sanitizing, temperature taking, and questionnaires. If we are buying presents, we will need to assure that they are cleaned upon arrival. Presents will have to be preselected for each family because parents, regrettably, will be unable to be in the Christmas store this year. Volunteers will select toys, and box them up for families to be delivered to their cars along with wrapping paper and tape. You can help with any of the following tasks:

a. Purchasing toys for all ages Birth to 16. (no stuffed animals please)
b. Helping sort and prepare toys for distribution.
c. Selecting toys for individual families.
d. Distribution of toys to families.

Please contact Teri Thesing to participate. She will be arranging schedules for onsite support and toy drop off. She can be reached at 859.248.1637 or
jtthesing6@gmail.com

Basket Collection and Distribution Workers. Please let Dennis Jacobs know (contact information above), in advance, if you can help with either of the following:

a. Collection and labeling of food baskets on the 21st . (askets arrive between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.). They must be aligned by family size. This year each basket will then be given a number to correspond to the family for whom it has been prepared.

b. Distribution of food baskets on the 22nd (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Rather than having people come into the church or the fellowship hall, all participants will be issued a number in the letter of acceptance they receive. They will be asked to remain in their cars. Their baskets and toys will be delivered to their cars. Participants will be asked to empty their trunks before coming if possible, so that their items can be deposited there to limit contact with volunteers.

4. Financial Contributions to the Christmas Basket Program have always made the difference as many more people participate than supply baskets or donate toys, and some families ask for help at the last minute. Financial contributions of any size can be made via the link, sent to Saint Clare Catholic Church at 622 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403, or given to Dennis, or a member of the parish staff. Thanks so much for taking part in this marvelous ministry as we prepare to celebrate the coming of the one who brought hope and light to us all.
   God bless you.
   The Christmas Basket Committee