Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Colorful Christmas bags filled with toys were prepared at St. Vincent de Paul’s conference room on December 10 as part of the agency’s 29th annual Santa Shop. This year, the organization adopted a new “shop for a child” model, allowing parents and guardians to complete wish lists for their children. Local parishes, St. Vincent de Paul conferences, and individual donors purchased gifts for more than 400 children.

Volunteers distributed these gifts to guardians on December 13. Karen Feldkamp, a regular volunteer for the Santa Shop, said, “It’s for the children, because otherwise they might not have anything for Christmas. It’s just a way of giving back.”

Catholic Charities also conducted its Presents with a Purpose drive, distributing gifts to over 500 children through programs such as Sister Visitor Center, Migration and Refugee Service, Community Support Services, and the Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking program.

Various groups helped sort and pack donations throughout December. Among them were sixth graders from St. Patrick School who volunteered during a class field trip on December 5. Ben Kaminski, one of the students, said, “It’s always a good time to volunteer, especially during Christmas.” His mother Kristi Kaminski added that the experience reminded students “that not everybody has the same privilege that they do, and that giving back is a big part of what Christ calls us to do.”

The Archdiocese of Louisville supports community outreach through ministries like St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities as part of its mission to address human needs and advance justice and compassion in central Kentucky (http://www.archlou.org/). The archdiocese oversees parishes and ministries in Kentucky under the guidance of its Archbishop (http://www.archlou.org/), providing pastoral care and spiritual support across multiple communities.