Catholic Charities kicks off the 56th annual Christmas distribution

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. kicked off the season of giving at their 56th annual Christmas distribution of food baskets and toys on Dec. 20. Bishop Michael Mulvey gave the Christmas blessing and a warm welcome to those coming to receive and those ready to give.

Cars full of people had already lined up in front of 614 Oliver Court to participate in Catholic Charities’ Community Christmas. The line continued around the corner onto Leopard Street. People in pain, sick, or just down on their luck had arrived early to receive their Christmas meal in a box and bags of toys from U.S. Marines Toys for Tots, who have supported the Christmas distribution for 41 years. 

President Mike Lippincott of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter, board of directors, also thanked other supporters of Community Christmas: the John G. & Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation for their 56 years of support; the Moody High School Baseball Team for their 45 years of support; H-E-B Grocery for their 44 years of support; United Way of the Coastal Bend for their 37 years of support; Corpus Christi CPA Chapter Counting on Santa for their 12 years of support and our wonderful staff and volunteers. “Without their support, it would not be possible to feed so many households within the 12 counties of the Diocese and distribute toys to local children,” he said.

“Today we’re celebrating the beginning of Community Christmas here at Catholic Charities,” said Kathy Pekar, Administrative and Human Resources Generalist. “We have a drive-through. We have registered over 1200 clients locally for meals and Toys for Tots, and we expect over 500 people to come through our lines to pick up their food and toys for their families today.” 

Catholic Charities staff and volunteers will distribute toys and 2,300 Christmas meals across 12 counties served by the diocese: 1,100 to the rural areas and 1,200 locally. Volunteers who helped sort and hand deliver meals and toys are from the community, parishes, Catholic schools, Knights of Columbus, Martha’s Vineyard and more.

“We just want to thank our sponsors and our volunteers. Without you, this would not be possible,” Pekar said.