Catholic Charities Twin Cities urges organizations, businesses to participate in 'Giving Basket' program this Easter

The Giving Basket Program of Catholic Charities Twin Cities will provide essential items for unserved families in the community. Image: Gabe Pierce|Unsplash

Catholic Charities Twin Cities are asking businesses, organizations, and communities to participate in its Giving Basket program in preparation for Easter in April.

Underserved communities in the neighborhood will benefit from this event, in which they will receive essential items and more.

Giving Basket Program for Easter

The "Giving Basket" program will gather the most-needed things for the people served by Catholic Charities, similar to the "Giving Trees" that collect supplies across the Twin Cities every Christmas season, The Catholic Spirit reported

Children and families in need will benefit from these things, which include hygiene, clothing, and academic materials.

According to research conducted by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the incomes and federal benefit programs of many Minnesotans, especially those of Black American and Native American households, are insufficient to afford the costs of satisfying their basic needs.

It also revealed that the poverty rate in 2019 was 8.6%, which was lower than the national poverty rate of 14.2%.

Per the report, the poverty rate varies widely among Minnesota's regions, from a high of 13.7% in the state's northwest central region to a low of 3.8% in Washington County in the Twin Cities. Rates in Ramsey and Hennepin counties in the Twin Cities metro and the Duluth metro area are also above 10%, as are those in three regions with 13 rural counties.

Setting Up, Collecting for Giving Basket Program

In hosting a giving basket, the basket should be filled with plastic eggs containing request slips tied with ribbons.

According to the organization, donors can return the baskets to the Giving basket locations or ask the collector to collect them at an office or business location.

The unwrapped gifts can bring them to Catholic Charities Twin Cities' location in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

About Catholic Charities Twin Cities

Catholic Charities' primary goal is to help people in most need while fighting for social justice. Catholic Charities is there for those at their most vulnerable.

Catholic Charities is trying to change and grow with the expanding and more nuanced nature of the community's need for its services.

The organization's responses include helping people avoid poverty in the first place, providing for their necessities during emergencies, and opening doors for them to climb out of poverty.

Serving Underserved Communities

As stated on its website, Catholic Charities helps children and their families have a better chance at a successful future by providing a safe and stable environment. They also offer emotional support in crisis and therapy for mental health issues.

Food, shelter, and help to locate stable housing, employment, and healthcare are all available to those in need at organizations like Dorothy Day Place, Higher Ground, the Family Service Center, and the Opportunity Center.

The mission of Catholic Charities Twin Cities is to enhance the local population's well-being. Its donors, advocates, and volunteers give people with nowhere else to turn the chance for a better life.

When it comes to helping those in need, Catholic Charities doesn't discriminate based on belief. The ideals of Catholic Social Teaching and the Christian faith inspire their work. Their efforts to help people in need are motivated by the principles they hold dear.