As a multi-program human services agency, Catholic Charities is a community-based organization that has been serving the people of the Diocese of Laredo, since the 1970s.

CCDOL is committed to finding solutions to reduce poverty in our community & to serve the emergency needs of the indigent and believe that all people have the right to live in an environment that is free of abuse, violence, fear and oppression. Catholic Charities - Diocese of Laredo will host two Christmas events, one at our local office on 12/22/2017 and the other Christmas Gathering for families living in El Cenizo, Texas at the Santa Monica Mission on 12/16/2017, to celebrate the joy of Christmas with families who are in need. Approximately 200 Families and over 400 children will receive boxes of food, toys, and blankets. We hope the food will carry the families over while the children are out of school and the blankets keep them warm during the winter days.

We are asking for donations one (or more) of the following items:

• unwrapped toys for children (both & girls) ages 0 to 13 yrs old
• Gift cards for older children
• NEW clothing for infants and toddlers
• NEW Full size or twin size blankets for the elderly
• NEW Winter hats and mittens for the elderly
• Monetary donation to help support our mission, in assisting the needy in our community during the holidays.

Donations can be dropped off at 1919 Cedar starting 12/1/2017 from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, or we will be glad to arrange pick up of your donation. We hope that we can get the majority of donations by December 14th, as we have our first event on the 16th.

Your donation will help families such as the Tristan Family and others who find themselves in hardship through no fault of their own. The Tristan Family is a single working mother of 7 children. Ms. Tristan works full-time at a local restaurant and was informed work hours for all employees were being cut due slow business. Although still employed, less work hours heavily impacted Ms. Tristan and her 7 children. She was faced with a tough situation and sought our assistance. CCDOL assisted the family through our diverse programs and social services. Ms. Tristan and her children also benefitted from other outreach activities CCDOL holds throughout the year, such as the Thanksgiving and Christmas giveaways. With the help of Catholic Charities, the Tristan family, along with many families in our diocese, continue to survive hardship. 

Thank you for your time and consideration in making a donation to help the needy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Flores at (956) 722-2443 or by email at rflores@ccdol.org.