Ho, ho, ho! Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again!

Catholic Charities is ready to take applications from families with children who will need assistance from Santa’s helpers this year. Christmas assistance applications will be accepted by Catholic Charities staff and volunteers on Mondays in October, beginning on Oct. 8 and continuing for Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon.

We will be set up in St. Therese Hall, the basement of St. Mary Basilica.

Here are details that parents should be aware of prior to registration:

4Who may apply?

Parents of children ages 1 through 12 residing in Adams County or Concordia Parish

4What should you bring with you when you come to apply?

Parent’s identification

Children’s birth certificates

A piece of mail you have received at your place of residence

A valid telephone number and at least one alternate telephone number

A brief “wish list” for each child — no more than three items per child, and no electronic toys or devices should be included in the wish list (no PlayStations, Xboxes, iPads, iPods, iPhones, Nintendos, or other such devices)

Each year, Catholic Charities screens the families of more than 700 children to help fulfill their wishes at Christmastime.

Many civic organizations contact us for names of children looking for Santa’s generosity.

Without these organizations and individuals, we would not be able to assist this number.

We salute you for your hard work, and your generous hearts and hands.

In these difficult economic times, it becomes more of a sacrifice for you to assist in these endeavors, and on behalf of the hundreds of children who will receive Christmas cheer through your work and generosity, we thank you.

Organizations who wish to help one or more families may contact me at our office on Union Street.

The telephone number is 601-442-4579. Merry Christmas!

 

Martha Mitternight is the director of Catholic Charities in Natchez.