BATON ROUGE — As the holiday season approaches, Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge is looking for community support to sponsor nearly 300 families still in need of assistance for Christmas.
This annual tradition, aimed at bringing hope and joy to struggling families, began earlier this fall with the screening of over 400 families. However, the number of sponsors has fallen short of the demand.
“We still have close to 300 families needing a sponsor,” said Stephanie Sterling, executive director of CCDBR. “If we don’t find sponsors for these families and seniors, these families will go without this Christmas, and we’re doing our best to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
For many of these families, Christmas gifts are a luxury they simply cannot afford. Wish lists often include essentials such as towels, sheets, clothing, and personal hygiene items, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by many in the community. This program is designed to bring a touch of holiday magic to struggling families, with many recipients relying on these gifts as their only presents of the season.
The sponsorship process has been streamlined this year, making it easy for donors to select families based on household size. Sponsors can either shop from the wish lists or provide gift cards, giving recipients the flexibility to purchase what they need most.
MORE: Find out how you can help a family in need
“We are praying we don’t have to make those phone calls to our clients saying they weren’t sponsored,” Sterling shared, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The deadline to choose a family for sponsorship is November 30, with gift delivery dates set for December 2-6 and December 9. The organization is working to ensure every family experiences the joy and warmth of the season.
For those unable to sponsor a family, there are other ways to contribute. Spreading the word or making a donation can still make a meaningful impact.
While the application process for new clients is closed, individuals or families in need of assistance this Christmas can call 2-1-1 to explore other available resources.
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