Catholic Charities Christmas Program
The Catholic Charities Heart of Christmas program could not work without the generosity of others. We thank the following who helped us in collecting items:
Angie’s Angels, St. Anthony Parish (Bartonville), Corpus Christi Catholic School (Bloomington), St. Mary’s School (Bloomington), St. Mary Parish (Canton), Holy Cross Parish (Champaign), St. John’s Catholic Newman Center (Champaign), St. Matthew Parish (Champaign), Our Lady of Grace Parish (East Moline), PETSMART (East Peoria), St. Mary of Lourdes Parish (Germantown Hills), Saint John Paul II Parish (Kewanee), St. John Baptist de La Salle Parish (LaSalle), Academy of Saint Carlo Acutis (LaSalle, Oglesby, Peru), Our Lady of the Lake Parish (Mahomet), Epiphany Parish (Normal), St. John Paul II Newman Center (Normal), St. Joseph School (Pekin), Knights of Columbus (Peoria), PETSMART (Peoria), St. Ann Parish (Peoria), St. Jude Parish (Peoria), St. Mark Parish (Peoria), St. Philomena Parish (Peoria), St. Vincent de Paul Parish (Peoria), St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (Peoria Heights), Incarnation Parish (Princeville), St. Malachy Parish (Rantoul), St. Patrick Parish (Urbana), St. Patrick Parish (Washington), and our faithful volunteers.
We also thank the many generous people who sponsored families and donated.
2025 Christmas Program:
In 2025, Catholic Charities was honored to extend its reach to 3,900 individuals, representing 1,650 families from over 60 diverse cities within our Diocese. This achievement stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of compassion manifested in tangible actions.
Truly, the word "grateful" scarcely captures the depth of our appreciation. The success of this program was made possible through the extraordinary generosity and collaborative efforts of our parishes, schools, organizations, dedicated volunteers, and countless individual supporters. Together, we united under one noble mission: to serve our brothers and sisters who find themselves in need.
Thanks to your selfless contributions, more than 10,000 gifts were meticulously collected, beautifully wrapped, and lovingly distributed to those awaiting a flicker of hope during difficult times. Each gift symbolized hope, restored dignity, and a powerful reminder that no one is ever forgotten.
To every parish that generously hosted a drive, to each volunteer who devoted their precious time, to the schools and organizations that rose to the occasion, and to every individual who stepped forward with a resounding "yes" to help; thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your boundless generosity is creating a profound and lasting impact throughout our Diocese, and we remain deeply appreciative of your unwavering support.
Together, we embody a living testimony of charity, faith, and love, standing united in our mission to uplift those in need in our community.
If you would like to donate as an individual to Catholic Charities for the Christmas Program you may mail a check to: Catholic Charities Christmas 615 NE Jefferson St., Peoria, IL 61603 or click here to donate.
*If giving online please write CATHOLIC CHARITIES CHRISTMAS in note section.
Dr. Chris McAtee
Director
cmcatee@ccdop.org
(309) 966-4488
Mr. John J. Gibson II
Director of Bessette Center
jjgibson@ccdop.org
(309) 966-4488
Sister Clare Key, DSF
Mission Coordinator
sr_clare@ccdop.org
(309) 966-4488
Sister Vilma Loquez, FAS
Staff
(309) 966-4488
Father Don Roszkowski
Chaplain
(309) 966-4488
Sister Merlinda Marco, FAS
Staff
(309) 966-4488
Phone: (309) 671-1550 | Fax: (309) 671-1579 | Spalding Pastoral Center | 419 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria, IL. 61603