Christmas is a time for magic and miracles - and the Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection is working to make sure the season is one of blessing and joy for all families in the area.

The charity provides Christmas wishes, magic, and basic living needs to families in the Big Bend area, without regard to religion, race, or ethnic background.

Started in 1979, the program began by serving 25 families a year - but has since expanded to serve over 500 Big Bend families annually.

By working directly with over 30 local social service agencies across the region, the charity is able to identify and serve those who are most in need during the holidays.

Families served by the program live in Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Madison, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.

But the program relies heavily on support from others in the community - special Christmas elves who support the program through Christmas adoptions, donations, and volunteers.

Are you interested in becoming one of Santa’s special helpers?

Here are the three ways to get involved:

ADOPT A FAMILY

Help make a family’s Christmas memorable this year by adopting them for the holiday and assisting with their wish list.

Fill out an adoption form at thechristmasconnection.org to adopt a family.

The last day to adopt a family through the Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection website is December 12.

MONETARY AND GIFT DONATIONS

Monetary donations raised during the holiday season are used not only during the holidays, but throughout the year to assist families who have experienced an unexpected situation and need emergency financial assistance.

To make a monetary donation, visit the Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection website, or mail a gift directly to:

Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection

PO Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316

You may also hand-deliver your donation to the Christmas Connection Collection Site. 

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers make the magic happen.

The Christmas Connection site will have volunteer time slots seven days a week from November 27 through December 18.

Volunteers at the site sort, shop, and pack donations; however, much more than that needs to be done.

The Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection’s greatest needs are for volunteers who are willing to organize a Collection Drive or Adopt a Family.

The volunteer slots at the site require advance registration online; if this sort of service interests you, go directly to the Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection website to register to volunteer.

Donations of new items can be dropped off at the Christmas Connection site beginning Sunday, November 27, during operating hours.

Used items of any kind are NOT able to be accepted.

Most-requested items are: Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Gas, Groceries, Restaurants), children’s toys, games, and books, nonperishable foods, baby toys, baby layette items (bath towels, sleepers, receiving blankets, burp cloths, etc.), baby diapers and wipes, bath and beauty sets, tricycles, bicycles and helmets, new blankets (all sizes), teenage gift items (jewelry, earbuds, hair accessories, movie passes, etc.), tablets, toiletries, small household appliances (coffee makers, toasters, etc.), pots and pan sets, dish sets, glassware, flatware, cooking utensils, heaters, and fans.

An Amazon Wish List is available on the Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection website, for more direct gift shopping.

Items purchased through the wish list can be shipped directly to Christmas Connection.

The Christmas Connection site is at 2990-2 Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee.

The site will be open from November 27 through December 20.

The warehouse will be open on December 19 and 20, primarily for the elves to work on their deliveries.

Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

The warehouse will be closed by 2 p.m. on December 20.

All donated items need to be received no later than December 12, giving the elves plenty of time to sort and pack the presents for the families.

For more information on Christmas Connection, visit thechristmasconnection.org