St. Cecilia’s Giving Tree Tradition Spreads Holiday Joy to Families in Need

In the front lobby of St. Cecilia Parish stand two sparkling Christmas trees that, from a distance, look like any other. But up close, these trees tell a story of community, compassion, and a tradition more than three decades in the making. 

Behind the scenes, every year, often beginning as early as July, the initial planning of the massive operation that has become the St. Cecilia Advent Giving Tree tradition begins. What started small has grown into an extraordinary volunteer effort that now supports Catholic Charities Boston as well as ten other nonprofit organizations and individuals across Greater Boston during the holidays. 

Each year, volunteers create tags and collect approximately 1,500 gifts, with Catholic Charities receiving items that go directly to El Centro Adult Education students, children at the Yawkey Child Care Center, and families served through Refugee and Immigrant Services. This year alone, St. Cecilia’s is collecting close to 300 items for Catholic Charities—many of which are toys or clothing for children to open on Christmas. 

“The generosity of our parishioners is amazing.  Everyone contributes something, whether it’s a five-dollar gift card or several gifts,” said Ann, a longtime parishioner who helped start and now oversees the tradition. “There is a sense of shared purpose in knowing that every gift will soon be in the hands of someone who needs it most.” 

Ann said the volunteers have many roles to coordinate this undertaking, whether it is to make tags, purchase gifts, receive and organize items, or deliver gifts to the organizations. Volunteers track every gift for each partner agency and after Christmas meet to discuss the project – what worked, any changes needed, or new ways to improve. For Ann, the tradition is not only a way to give back but also a wonderful community building event at the parish. 

Alicia Ridenour, Senior Director of Volunteer Programs, shared gratitude to St. Cecilia’s and to all of the parishes who have stepped forward to support Catholic Charities through starting a giving tree.  

“We are incredibly grateful for St. Cecilia’s partnership and to all of the amazing parishes who continue to support us through the giving tree tradition,” she said. “Thank you for spreading joy and hope to the families we serve this holiday season.” 

The list of Giving Tree partners grows each year and spreads all across Eastern Massachusetts. We sincerely thank the parishes who participate, including the ones listed below. If your parish was inadvertently omitted, please let us know so that we may add it to the list.   

• Ave Maria Parish – Lynnfield 

• Gate of Heaven – South Boston 

• Holy Family Parish – Lowell 

• Holy Name – West Roxbury 

• Most Blessed Sacrament – Wakefield 

• Our Lady – Marblehead 

• Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted – Waltham 

• Our Lady Help of Christians – Newton 

• Sacred Heart – Lexington 

• Sacred Heart Parish – Malden 

• Sacred Heart Parish – Newton 

• St. Agnes Parish – Arlington 

• St. Agnes Parish – Reading 

• St. Anastasia – Reading 

• St. Anne Parish – Salem 

• St. Ann’s Parish – Peabody 

• St. Anthony – Cohasset 

• St. Athanasius – Reading 

• St. Augustine Chapel Community – South Boston 

• St. Bartholomew – Needham 

• St. Brigid’s – South Boston 

• St. Cecilia’s – Boston 

• St. Florence Parish – Wakefield 

• St. Gerard – Canton 

• St. John’s – North Chelmsford 

• St. John’s the Evangelist – Swampscott 

• St. Joseph Shrine – Lowell 

• St. Joseph’s – Needham 

• St. Joseph’s Parish – Wakefield 

• St. Katharine Drexel – Dorchester 

• St. Marguerite – Dracut 

• St. Mary of the Assumption – Revere 

• St. Mary’s – Chelmsford 

• St. Mary’s of the Nativity – Scituate 

• St. Mary’s Parish – Lynn 

• St. Michael’s – Bedford 

• St. Paul Parish – South Hamilton 

• St. Paul’s – Southampton 

• St. Paul’s – Wellesley 

• St. Peter’s Parish – Cambridge 

• St. Peter’s Parish – Dorchester 

• St. Sebastian’s – Cohasset 

• St. Teresa – Dorchester 

• St. Thomas – Wilmington 

• St. Timothy – Norwood 

To learn how you can start a Giving Tree or support local families most in need, visit Hope for the Holidays.