TURNERS FALLS — Organizers of the Montague Catholic Social Ministries Christmas Connection get a firsthand view of the generosity of the community every year.
Every year they coordinate gifts for children whose parents can’t afford it, then the tree goes up in Hubies Tavern and patrons pick “wishes” off the tree, which include gift suggestions, the age, size and gender of the kid.
But Mary Conway and Cindy Skelly, both from Montague Catholic Social Ministries, said that many of the community members go above and beyond. The gifts are supposed to be $25 or under, but some people purchase bikes and scooters for the kids. Some donors buy every single suggested item on the wish tags.
Conway said the parents often come without the kids to pick up the gifts and put them under the tree at home. She said the program helps parents during a stressful and expensive time of year.
“Just to see the relief come off of people as they come through the door,” she said.
The planning for the holiday season and Christmas Connection is extensive. Catholic Social Ministries take applications for families until Halloween and then parents can write gift ideas. The women then sort the ideas, track the wishes and bring the wishes to Hubbies. Then it’s in the hands of the public, who pick wishes, purchase gifts and bring them back to the restaurant.
After that, they sort all of the gifts and make sure that every child in every family is accounted for. This year 45 families will receive gifts, with a total of 99 children. One donor has offered to cover the costs for any additional gifts needed to make sure every child has at least one present.
The Catholic Social Ministries hosted a holiday party for the families recently. Parents could come pick up gifts while their children could meet one of Santa’s elves.
Shawn Hubert, owner of Hubies, said the restaurant started working with Montague Catholic Social Ministries under the previous owner of Jake’s Tavern, Bill Holbrook.
Holbrook began the Christmas gift collection as “Kacy’s Kids” in 2012 in memory of his niece.
Hubert said it was something he and his wife Lynne promised to continue when they purchased the restaurant. He said many people starting asking about the wishes even before they had the tree set up.
“The really nice part is seeing people who don’t have an awful lot themselves so willing and so happy to help,” Hubert said.
He said that last year, when they held the holiday party, he saw a little girl turn the corner to find Santa and a pile of presents and she just lit up. He said she was so excited and overwhelmed she didn’t know what to do.
“Some of these kids, this will be the only Christmas gifts they get,” he said.
The two said that this is the busiest time of year for the organization. The social ministries continue to host its year-round programs during the holidays as well a lot of additional events to make the holidays easy for the center’s families. They host Spanish Language resources, family support groups, as well as resources through its women center.
This January, the center is hosting a “Parent 2 Parent” peer support group every other Friday that offers resources and a space for parents to talk to one another about concerns. The center offers a light meal and childcare with the group.
They also offer a free emergency basic needs program which includes emergency food, clothing vouchers and free diapers.
Those interested in services from the Catholic Social Ministries can contact them at 413-863-4804 or www.mcsmcommunity.org.
Reach Miranda Davis at 413-772-0261 ext. 280 or mdavis@recorder.com.