Catholic Charities’ Giving Tree at Mall of America: A Tradition of Christmas Giving
Catholic Charities Celebrates 30 Years of Giving Tree Program at Mall of America
As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving is alive and well at the Mall of America, where Catholic Charities will be hosting its annual Giving Tree drive on December 17 and 18. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the program, which aims to provide essential items to those in need during the Christmas season.
Elizabeth Lyden, the community engagement and partnerships manager at Catholic Charities, has been involved in the Giving Tree program since childhood. She recalls fond memories of her family participating in a similar program at her parish, St. John the Evangelist in Little Canada. Now, she runs the Giving Tree program at the Mall of America, where visitors can drop off donated items such as clothing, toiletries, and more.
Joining Lyden at the Giving Tree booth this year is Mike Rios-Keating, the social justice education manager at Catholic Charities. Together, they hope to continue the tradition of giving back to those in need and spreading the true meaning of Christmas.
Not only can visitors drop off donated items at the booth, but they can also help assemble care kits for residents of Catholic Charities housing facilities or write messages to clients who visit drop-in centers. The goal is to make the experience both inviting and educational, allowing visitors to learn more about Catholic Charities’ mission.
With the support of parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Giving Tree program has continued to grow over the years. This year, at least 10 parishes are participating in the program, collecting items and delivering them to the Catholic Charities distribution center.
For Elizabeth Lyden and Mike Rios-Keating, the Giving Tree program is not just about providing material items to those in need, but also about connecting with the true spirit of Christmas. As they prepare for the upcoming event at the Mall of America, they hope to inspire others to continue the tradition of giving back and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
To learn more about the Giving Tree program and see a list of most-needed items, visit cctwincities.org/our-organization/events/giving-tree.