As cold weather settles across the Beehive State, organizations such as Catholic Community Services of Utah are preparing to make the holiday season brighter for individuals and families in need.
In a notice posted by the organization, several holiday assistance programs were identified as currently accepting donations to support community members facing economic uncertainty.
For more than 25 years, Catholic Community Services of Utah (CCS) has organized various holiday initiatives. These include a turkey drive, Gift of the Drummer, and a Coats for Kids Drive, which is conducted in partnership with the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to these programs, CCS provides ongoing services for refugees, people experiencing homelessness, and others in need. Aden Batar, the director of CCS’ Migration and Refugee Services, stated that donations of food, gifts for children, warm clothing, and household essentials offer hope, dignity, and comfort to families experiencing hardship.
Refugee families face particular challenges as they work to rebuild lives in a new country without extended family support or certain financial resources. Batar noted that changes in immigration policies, reductions in humanitarian assistance, and restrictions on access to public benefits create additional challenges for these families.
Randy Chappell, the CCS Basic Needs director, emphasized the importance of providing holiday meals for those facing food insecurity. The Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank in Ogden, which is the largest food pantry in northern Utah, serves hundreds of households every month. The facility's clients are all below 185 percent of the poverty level, and many are seniors or people with disabilities.
CCS is requesting various donations, including winter coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, hats, and warm socks for both adults and children. Other requested items include new books, toys, age-appropriate holiday gifts, and grocery store gift cards to allow families to purchase nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
Monetary contributions are also considered valuable as they allow families to address specific and urgent needs.
Community members can donate turkeys by Nov. 20 and hams by Dec. 18.
Donations can be dropped off on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2504 F Ave. in Ogden. Other holiday donations may be delivered on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 437 West 200 South in Salt Lake City. Online donations are accepted at https://www.ccsutah.org/donate or through the CCS Amazon Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/18N3BRXCXNYOL.
For more information regarding holiday giving opportunities, the Holiday Giving Guide is available at https://www.ccsutah.org/news/the-holiday-giving-guide-2.
