While many children eagerly await Christmas morning, others are simply hoping someone will think of them. Catholic Charities’ Shining Star program in St. Joseph and Kansas City is calling on the community to help brighten the holidays for local families in need.
The program, which partners with area donors each year to provide Christmas gifts for children, reports that about 430 local children are in need of assistance this season. Organizers say the need remains high as families continue to face economic challenges, and community support plays a crucial role in ensuring every child receives a gift.
Those interested in sponsoring a child can visit the Shining Star website to view children’s gift wishes and select the ones they want to support. Donors are asked to purchase new, unwrapped gifts and return them by the deadline.
Unwrapped gifts must be delivered no later than 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Catholic Charities staff and volunteers will then sort and distribute the items to families before the holiday.
For more information about sponsoring a child, the drop-off process or other ways to assist, call 816-221-4377 or email assistance@ccharities.com.
