Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral

Article | December 21, 2016

The Joy of Giving with Grace

Blog|Grace

As we celebrate the joy of the holiday season, we also remember our brothers and sisters in San Francisco who struggle to make ends meet throughout the year, and especially in the winter months. We called on our extended communities to help us make the season brighter for those in need though two holiday gift drives this season. One specifically for children whose incarcerated parents we serve though our Jail Ministry, and a “Grace is Home” gift drive in collaboration with partner organizations in San Francisco.

Over a hundred volunteers from all cathedral communities including Yoga on the Labyrinth, Cathedral School for Boys (CSB), our Nob Hill neighborhood and congregation came together to wrap the donated presents at two wrapping parties last week.

The parties were overflowing with Christmas spirit, assisted by sweet holiday treats and bright holiday tunes. Tape and scissors were a near scarcity with so many honorary elves working steadily for a combined 400 hours to deliver winter cheer. All in all we served over 900 people by collecting over 900 gifts, a mixture of essentials and toys such as pajamas, bicycles, coats, diapers, balls and bedding, far exceeding our goal of 600. These presents were made under-the-tree-ready for the hundreds of individuals and families serviced by the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), Edgewood Family Resource Center, Grace Cathedral Jail Ministry, Episcopal Community Services and Bayview Mission.

We are so grateful for the time and resources donated this season by all of our participants.  The yoga community raised $5000 towards gifts, and CSB students collected hundreds of books for Bayview Mission and helped distribute them to children and families on-site with Santa. Thank you for making a difference and spreading love this Christmas.

Volunteer with us! Find out how you can volunteer in a variety of Grace Gives projects all year-round.

volunteers wrapping party family children single

wrapped presents 3 wrapping party

 

Share to your favorite platform or Email to Family & Friends