Share Your Christmas, Spread Hope

Every December, Holy Infant Catholic Church comes together in a remarkable way to share Christ’s love with neighbors throughout Durham. What began years ago as a simple parish giving effort has grown into a ministry that quietly transforms Christmas for hundreds of local families. This year’s Share Your Christmas outreach once again showed what happens when a community gives generously and joyfully.

Thanks to the compassion of parishioners, 135 Durham Social Services clients received personalized Christmas gifts, chosen just for them. In addition, the parish directly sponsored 15 individuals from three local families, ensuring that they, too, felt remembered and supported during the holidays.

But the giving didn’t stop there. The parish provided 227 children’s coats to Welcome Baby, helping local kids stay warm through the winter. Parishioners also donated 1,215 pairs of socks and underwear, along with about 90 hand-crafted items lovingly made by the Yarn Ministry. These essentials may seem small, but they offer dignity, comfort, and tangible care to those who need it most.

Gift cards, an important way for families to purchase exactly what they need, played a major role as well. This year, parishioners contributed 342 gift cards totaling $10,755, all of which have already been shared with partner organizations:

• $2,150 to Families Moving Forward

• $2,180 to Pregnancy Support Services

• $2,150 to Baby Love

• $2,140 to Durham Social Services

• $2,135 to Refugee Assistance

Each card represents a moment of relief for a parent, a meal on the table, a warm coat for a child, or a step forward for a family rebuilding their lives.

Behind every number is a story of kindness and a reminder of the power of a parish community united in faith and service. Holy Infant’s Share Your Christmas ministry continues to be a shining example of what it means to accompany our neighbors with love, especially in a season when generosity can make all the difference.

Thank you to everyone who donated gifts, purchased cards, knitted beautiful items, sorted and organized supplies, or prayed for the families we served. Your love made Christmas brighter across Durham.