Advent Giving Tree

CONCLUDED FOR THE YEAR, 2025

Update 12/18/25: Thanks to all who took and returned tags and gifts for this year’s Advent Giving Tree. All of the almost 400 tags were taken. Your generosity helped many have a happier Christmas. The Free Store is restocked in many areas. MSS and Women’s Advocates were able to help many of their clients. Thank you!


This Christmas, provide a special gift to someone in need! Our Advent Giving Tree is covered in tags marked with needed items for Midwest Social Services (MSS), Women’s Advocates (WA), STM Annual Toy Giveaway and STM Free Store. Several things are different this year. The STM Advent Giving Tree will be in the gathering space, starting Nov 29. Please stop to take a tag and return it with the gift indicated on the tag..

In years past, your generous participation has given greatly needed help to the following organizations and their clients. The tags are color coded for each of the recipient organizations. They have varying needs, desires, and deadlines.

MIDWEST SPECIAL SERVICES

• The bright green tags indicate gifts for clients at Midwest Special Services (MSS) who are developmentally disabled adults. Instead of requesting specific items for their clients, MSS is requesting that we donate $25.00, either in cash or with a check (made out to MSS) so they are able to buy the gifts.
• Please, put the cash or check in an envelope with the bright green tag, mark it for the Giving Tree, and put it in the collection basket or drop it off at the parish center.
• If you wish to do so, MSS suggests writing a message to the recipient on the tag. The deadline for MSS is Dec 21. 
  

WOMEN'S ADVOCATES

• The orange tags indicate gifts for Women's Advocates (WA) who operate a shelter for women and their children fleeing abusive relationships. Their requests are on the tags. 
• Please put any gift certificates along with their orange tags in an envelope marked “Giving Tree” and put in the collection basket. Other unwrapped gifts can be left with their tags under the tree. The deadline for WA is Dec 21.
  
  
  

STM CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY

• The yellow tags indicate gifts for the Annual Toy Giveaway sponsored by STM.
  
• Requests include Target gift cards, board games for teens, cosmetics, hair care products, electronic games, and other gift cards. If donating a gift card, please mark the amount on the card. Please put any gift cards along with their yellow tags in an envelope marked “Giving Tree” and put in the collection basket at any Mass on or before Dec 7.
• The other unwrapped gifts with their tags should be placed underneath the Giving Tree. The deadline for the Toy Giveaway is Dec 7. 
  

STM FREE STORE

• The red tags indicate gifts for the STM Free Store whose clients are in need of clothing or household goods. 
• These tags list suggestions, particularly for new underwear and socks for all ages, linens, and gift cards.
• You may place the unwrapped items along with their red tags under the Giving Tree.

Let's spread the joy of Christmas! Thank you in advance for your generosity.