A very happy tradition started in Chicago in 1947. World War II left a great deal of devastation in its wake, yet those who survived were filled with gratitude and hope despite the uncertainty with which they moved forward. Catholic Charities continued to serve the needs of many children who were orphaned and abandoned, with staff members and volunteers always striving to brighten the lives of those in their care.

At Christmastime, a group of parents who had adopted children from Catholic Charities got together and purchased gifts for children who had not yet joined new homes. Word spread about this quiet, very kind gesture and soon more toys and other children’s items poured into Catholic Charities’ Chicago offices. The first, spontaneous “Catholic Charities Toy Shower” was a resounding success, with every child in our care knowing he or she was loved and celebrated that Christmas.

This wonderful holiday project in Chicago continued to grow through the years. By the 1980’s, participating in the “Catholic Charities Toy Shower” was an important part of the season for thousands of Chicagoans each year. An efficient system was set up to sort, package, and distribute the growing number of donated toys, and the program expanded so that families receiving care and services from Catholic Charities could also participate. Eventually, the Toy Shower became known as “The Celebration of Giving,” or COG, to acknowledge this extraordinary outpouring of generosity that came each December from all over Cook and Lake counties in support of people very much in need.

Melissa Lucas, Interim Director of Volunteer Engagement, says Catholic Charities is delighted to coordinate the 2022 Celebration of Giving in-person after the past two years of the pandemic. “Our Case Managers have worked with the people we serve to list household items they need the most. Often times these include the most basic necessities, including coats, hats, and socks.

Children’s names, ages, and favorite toys are listed as well, and then we work with our team of staff members and volunteers to disseminate the lists to those wanting to ensure that the people we serve have a Merry Christmas.” In 2021, more than 14,500 individuals in Cook and Lake counties had wonderful presents to open Christmas morning, due to the Celebration of Giving program and the generosity of countless caring people. Melissa continues, “The people we serve are immensely grateful for the kindness extended to them. A number of our volunteers were formely served by Catholic Charities, and they tell powerful stories of what it meant to be a COG recipient at a particularly tough time in their lives. We are incredibly grateful for whatever time and gifts people can give.”

Many parishes, businesses, families and neighbors gather each year to “Sponsor a Family,” or gather gifts of all kinds for people served by Catholic Charities at their holiday gatherings.

As Melissa adds, “We like to think that those who began this holiday program would be glad to see what has transpired over the years. The need is still very much there, and it is our privilege to carry on the great tradition they started 75 years ago.”

Please note that giving is now closed for the 2022 initiative.