It’s Time to Grab Your Angel Tree Tag and Help Those in Need!

The Joy of Giving

Each year during the Advent and Christmas seasons, our Angel Tree Ministry brings the joy of giving to children, mothers, veterans, and families in need—throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond—so they can all experience a brighter Christmas.

And we are asking our parish partners to help bless those in need, as you always do!

For this, our 23rd year, please Grab an Angel Tree Tag (and return by December 13-14): 

• November 15–16

• November 22–23

• November 29–30

Service and Giving Go Hand in Hand

This ministry has been lovingly led for the past 10 years by Suzanne DiFilippo, one of our dedicated parish partners, who followed in the footsteps of Pete Rupcich, the gentleman who led the program for 13 years before her.

“I got involved when the previous leader decided to step down,” Suzanne shared. “Our family had always taken a tag or two each year—our kids loved picking out gifts for others. When I repeatedly saw the announcement in the bulletin asking for someone to take over, the thought kept tugging at me, even though life was busy with work and our kids’ activities. Week after week, that feeling didn’t go away—I truly believe God was telling me this was something I was meant to do. And here we are, 10 years later!”

Seeing Jesus in Others

Through this ministry, our SJE parish partners provide gifts and necessities to numerous organizations serving the most vulnerable, as the Lord has asked us to do. “The Christmas season can be a hard time for many, but especially for the people we serve,” Suzanne noted. “We hope to make Christmas a little bit brighter for all the children, moms, veterans, and various communities we reach.”

Please Return your Gift Collections: December 6–7 and December 13–14.

This year, gifts will be distributed on Dec. 15 to 13 organizations, including:

• Bishop Bob’s (Our Lady of Angels – Chicago)

• Franciscan Prenatal Assistance Program – Crown Point

• Kid’s Peace – Merrillville (serves all of NWI)

• Women’s Care Center – Hammond

• St. Ann’s Parish – Gary

• Mommy’s Haven – Lowell

• Manteno Veterans Home – Manteno

• Phil’s Friends – Crown Point

• Gibault Children’s Services – Terre Haute

• Share Foundation – LaPorte

• Missionaries of Charity – Gary

• Sisters of St. Francis Families – Crown Point/Hammond (new in 2025)

• MAK’S (Making a Kid Smile) – Chesterton, serving all of NWI (new in 2025)

  
  

The Gifts that Keep Giving

Last year, the ministry partnered with 12 organizations, including the Indiana Veterans’ Home.

Each Christmas, about 1,200 Angel Tree tags are taken, collected, and distributed—and that number continues to grow. The outpouring of generosity from our parish never fails to amaze.

“All of the organizations we serve are continually grateful for what this parish provides,” she said. “It’s always such a joy to see their faces when we pull up with packed SUVs filled with gifts. The excitement and gratitude, especially from our new partners, are absolutely priceless. We are incredibly blessed with a generous parish—and through that generosity, we are able to bless so many others.”

Remember to return your gifts by December 13-14.

Thank you, as always, for Being Disciples who Make Disciples!