Jessy brought along her son, Ayden, 8, to witness — and accept — the generosity of the Christmas gift donations at Catholic Charities’ Celebration of Giving. 

“I’m a single mom and it’s a huge blessing — it helps a lot,” said Jessy, who works full-time but after rent, utilities, and food, she has little left for Christmas gifts. “I’ve been doing this for eight years and this is the first time I have brought him. I wanted him to see and to be grateful that he has a gift, because there are so many other kids who don’t. I pray for Catholic Charities every single day.” 

The Celebration of Giving started 77 years ago, serving 14,000 individuals across Cook and Lake counties. In addition to the thousands of toys collected and distributed, families also received gifts from their wish lists, including new clothing, warm coats and boots, household items, and more. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of individual donors, parishes, schools, businesses, and organizations, and most especially, our dedicated volunteers, thousands of families will have gifts under their Christmas tree this year. 

For first-time visitors Fabiola and her husband, Eduardo, who visited the Libertyville warehouse where more than 400 volunteers bagged and distributed gifts for 9,000 individuals, they were grateful to be able to collect donated gifts for their two children. Eduardo works a seasonal job in asphalt, and it can be hard to make ends meet during the winter months.  

“We’re giving them more than material gifts, we’re giving them heart.”

Three other moms who picked up donated bikes and gifts, said they were grateful for the donations and for Catholic Charities, especially since they couldn’t afford to buy gifts for their children on their own. 

Marcel, who offers her Spanish-translation services as a volunteer at the Libertyville warehouse, also lends a listening ear to many of the gift recipients. 

“I really enjoy connecting with the people who share authentic, genuine thank you’s from the heart,” said Marcel, who has been volunteering at the Lake County program for 10 years. “Some people are going through very difficult times, and this program definitely touches many families who would otherwise have nothing for Christmas. 

“We’re giving them more than material gifts,” Marcel said, “we’re giving them heart.” 

Meanwhile, on Chicago’s South Side at St. Casimir, dozens of volunteers from many businesses, including CIBC, packaged gifts for families to be distributed by case management workers to the more than 5,000 individuals they serve in Cook County.  

“I definitely love to see how the community has come together to create such a beautiful space with toys and books, helping families that need it,” said Heaven, a CIBC staffer who volunteered for the first time with many other recent college graduates who are new CIBC employees, including her colleague, Kennedy. 

“It’s really nice to give back to the community, and I’m really passionate about helping others, especially making someone else’s Christmas better,” said Kennedy, who recently joined CIBC as a commercial banking analyst. “It’s a great way to come together and spread that holiday spirit.” 

Mary Ellen, who has volunteered for seven years alongside long-time volunteer, Joe, helped guide the new volunteers. She enjoys the community of volunteers she meets every holiday season. 

“It’s uplifting to see the generosity of people,” Mary Ellen said, “and know that we’re making the difference in people’s lives, at least for one morning.” 

(Above, right) Jessy and her son, Ayden, 8, (left) visit the Celebration of Giving in Lake County every Christmas season and say they are grateful for Catholic Charities and the thousands of donated gifts, while volunteers from CIBC were thrilled to help package gifts at St. Casimir on Chicago’s South Side for the people we serve..