Giving Tree
Giving Tree FAQ
Client Registration Information:
Registration for Thanksgiving Distribution and the Christmas Giving Tree program is October 1-31. Registration is available during Thursday Food Pantry Distributions and over the phone by calling 708-215-5418.
In order to participate in the Holiday programs you must:
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Live in Lyons Township
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Have attended the food pantry at least once this year between January-September
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Register by October 31
Volunteer Information
Volunteer sign ups are available in mid-October for both the Thanksgiving Distribution and Christmas Giving Tree. Please read each description carefully for age requirements and other necessary requirements for a specific slot (i.e. must be able to lift heavy boxes of frozen turkeys! Must be able to drive, etc.)
Click HERE to sign up for the Thanksgiving Distribution
Click HERE to sign up for the Christmas Giving Tree
Thanksgiving Distribution Volunteers:
Giving Tree Collection Weekend:
Giving Tree Distribution Weekend:
Donor Information & FAQs
2024 Christmas Giving Tree Timeline:
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Tags available on trees beginning: November 14
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Gift Card sales after Masses: November 16-17 and 23-24
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Gifts are due: December 7-8
Gift Tag Instructions
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Wrap gifts
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Label each gift with the tag # and person’s name
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Drop off gifts:
December 7 from 12:00pm-5:00pm
December 8 from 7:00am-12:30pm
St. Cletus Morrissey Hall
700 W. 55th St LaGrange
(drive thru lane on Stone Ave)
You do not need to purchase every item; we encouraged clients to give options
Grocery Gift Card (White Envelopes) Instructions
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Purchase gift cards from Walmart or Jewel only
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Purchase cards for the exact amount listed on the envelopes.
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Put the card(s) into the envelope.
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Return the envelope by Sunday, December 8 to the collection basket, Parish Center, or gift drop off in Morrissey Hall December 7 from 12-5 or December 8 from 7-12:30.
Q: I purchased several gifts for the person whose tag I took from the tree. What is the best way to prevent them from getting separated?
A: To prevent gifts for the same person getting separated, please mark each gift with the person’s name and family number. That will ensure that everything goes where it should!
Q: I took a tag from the tree, but I’m not sure I’ll be in town when gifts are due. What should I do?
A: Please contact the Social Concerns office at 708.215.5418 or kgrant@stcletusparish.com for an early drop off option. PLEASE arrange to bring gifts early and do not bring them late!
Q: I lost my tag, what should I do?
A: Contact Kendall Grant at 708.215.5418 or kgrant@stcletusparish.com ASAP. Please let us know of any detail you can remember from the tag, however small it may seem (do you remember any ages or sizes, what items do you think they requested, etc.). Please still turn in the gift and we will hopefully be able to match it to the person who is missing a gift. In the future, we recommend taking a picture of your tag as soon as you take it off the tree in case it gets misplaced!
Q: Why are grocery gift cards limited to Jewel and Walmart?
A: We wanted to simplify the process for donors while making it best meet the needs of our clients. After reaching out to client families, Jewel and Walmart were the stores most clients shopped at. Both of these stores are also accessible to public transportation. In the past, we occasionally got cards in to places clients were less familiar with or were out of the area (Ultra, Farm & Fleet, Meijer, etc.). We wanted to make sure families were getting something they could reasonably get to and use.
Q: What is Raise Right (formerly Shop with Scrip/Manna)?
A: For your convenience during two weekends in November, we will have the St. Cletus School Raise Right gift cards available in the Narthex. This is a gift card purchasing program via the school that allows the school to get a percentage of the proceeds as a fundraiser. It does not cost you anything extra to participate. Credit card is accepted. You do not need to purchase a gift card through Raise Right.
Enjoy shopping for those you have selected from the Giving Tree. Please remember them and their families in your prayers during this Blessed Season!
Please remember, each tag is for a real person. When you take a tag from the tree, you are making a commitment to that person, and to returning your gift(s) on time. Thank you!
