Founded over two decades ago here at Saint John School, Spirit of Sharing helps brighten Christmas for about 350 boys and girls who live in the gateway city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, one of the most financially impoverished cities in the U.S. Many thanks for your continued support of this blessed community. Father Paul O’Brien, Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish, Lawrence, recently wrote:
Economic realities on the ground here in Lawrence remain tough. Very fine, mostly single-parent families struggle, and often fail, to make ends meet. We have an average annual per capita income of $20,858 and face stubbornly high costs for daily necessities. Our city is filled with young families, most of whom are first- or second-generation in the US. They bring a deep faith in Jesus and a remarkable work ethic that give me hope for the future of our society. The support offered through Spirit of Sharing makes this season an entirely brighter reality for families in Lawrence. Spirit of Sharing is a very tangible unfolding of the real grace of Christmas.
This Advent Season, we invite you to donate gifts for children ages 3 to 14 in one of the following three ways:
- Shop for a Christmas gift in person and drop it off between December 9 and December 20 at St. John School’s Ledyard Street entrance (or at the O’Briens’ home at 158 Glen Rd.) Suggested items:
Warm clothing – for example: Puffy jackets, warm vests, sweatshirts, tops, sweatpants and hats; Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins spirit wear; Colorful socks
Toys, crafts, games, sports equipment, and other items – for example: Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, LEGO, and Barbie items; action figures & dolls; stuffed animals; building blocks; learning games; electronic games; arts and crafts for different ages; small hair dryers/colorful barrettes/claw clips/cosmetics for girls; regulation-size basketballs, footballs, soccer balls; scooters, tricycles, and bicycles; blankets and sleeping bags
- Shop online on or before December 15. Kindly order via charitable gift registry: tinyurl.com/SpiritOfSharing24
- Have us shop for you on or before December 15. Donate tax-deductible funds to St. Patrick Parish and have us shop for you. Visit this site on or before December 15: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TSH647QEESBXE
Volunteer! We need teen and adult volunteers on Saturday, December 21 for any period between 8am and 12:30pm at St. Patrick Parish Hall, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence. Spanish-speaking skills useful but not required! Tasks include unboxing and categorizing items, arranging gift displays, and helping parents/guardians choose gifts for their children. If you plan to volunteer, kindly email us so we have plenty of refreshments and parking for you! (Community service certificates provided upon request.)
Your contributions will help bring joy this Christmas to children living in Lawrence. For questions, kindly contact: Father Paul’s sister-in-law Marlene O’Brien at marleneobrien99@gmail.com or Kelly Jacobs/kleerjacobs@comcast.net, Lucy Kapples/lkapples@comcast.net, Sally Miller/sallymiller5@msn.com, or Stephanie Morgan/smorgan1220@verizon.net.