Catholic Charities to host 31st Annual Giving Tree event Dec. 16-17 at Mall of America
Free holiday event providing opportunities for the whole family to give back, shop for someone in need, visit with therapy animals, and participate in a pop-up volunteer activity.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Dec. 11, 2023) — Catholic Charities Twin Cities today announced the annual Giving Tree, a festive family-friendly event that provides community members of all ages with easy ways to give back and spread some holiday spirit! The two-day event features opportunities to shop for someone in need; participate in quick volunteer activities; learn more about the work of Catholic Charities; and meet therapy animals, including alpacas, llamas, dogs, and cats. Giving Tree will take place at the Mall of America (Macy’s Court) from 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17.
Giving Tree supports Catholic Charities’ efforts to provide housing, emergency shelter and direct services to more than 20,000 men, women, children, and families every year. At the event, attendees can shop for someone in need as well as assemble “sock-n-rolls,” which are cold-weather care packages consisting of socks, handwarmers, lip balm, tissues, and lotion — showing just how easy it is to make a difference for a neighbor served by Catholic Charities. And this year, North Star Therapy Animals — including alpacas, llamas, dogs, and cats — will be at the Giving Tree from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 16, and from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 17. Catholic Charities’ trauma-informed care approach aims to respond to individual needs in a safe, supportive environment – and therapy animals offer emotional support for clients and staff alike.
“The essential items donated through Giving Tree are critical in our efforts to support our neighbors across the Twin Cities as they work toward stability,” said Keith Kozerski, Chief Program Officer at Catholic Charities. “We invite you to join Giving Tree — a symbol of our shared commitment to the common good.”
“At Catholic Charities, we’re building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive,” said Michael Goar, President and CEO of Catholic Charities. “We could not do this work without the generosity of our community. We look forward to seeing you at our annual Giving Tree to celebrate the holiday season and our shared impact.”
EVENT DETAILS
Event:
Catholic Charities Giving Tree
Dates:
Dec. 16-17, 2023
Duration:
All day (10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17)
Venue & Location:
Mall of America
Macy’s Court
60 E Broadway
Bloomington, Minn. 55425
Price:
Free
ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES TWIN CITIES:
Catholic Charities Twin Cities serves and advocates on behalf of those most in need. Our programs for children, families and adults annually assist more than 20,000 people, regardless of faith, background or circumstance. Our dedicated staff partner with the individuals we support to create opportunities for them to thrive. Through social justice advocacy, Catholic Charities amplifies the voices of those who often go unheard. Thousands of dedicated volunteers, advocates and donors make our work possible. We are proud to have served as a critical part of our community’s social and civic infrastructure for more than 150 years.