For 29th Year in a Row, Catholic Charities Boston Partners with Menino Fund for Annual Christmas Eve Distribution

Media Coverage:

WCVB: Menino Family Donates Toys to Hundreds of Families in Boston Community | Boston Herald: Christmas Eve Toy Delivery in Boston: Menino Family Continues Tradition of Spreading Cheer | Boston Globe: Across Boston, Christmas Eve Marks a Tradition of Giving, Service |CBS News: Family of Former Boston Mayor Menino Hosts Annual Toy Delivery

For the 29th year in a row, Catholic Charities Boston partnered with the late Mayor Thomas Menino’s family to host an annual Christmas Eve toy drive at the Teen Center, once again serving over 300 families in the Bowdoin-Geneva community.

Beginning in 1993, Mayor Menino would bring gifts to the Teen Center to brighten the children’s holiday; since then, his tradition has evolved into a community-wide event that represents the Teen Center’s commitment to treating each of its members like family.

“Our Dad loved this city and all its neighborhoods and people. He especially loved Christmas Eve and wanted to make it special for families in this neighborhood,” said the late mayor’s son, Thomas M. Menino Jr. “Seeing kids’ faces light up when they’re handed a new toy brings us warm memories of our Dad and his enormous spirit. We’re proud to carry on this tradition and honor him this holiday season.”

Joining the late Mayor Menino’s children and wife, Angela, this year were Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Father John Currie, a local Boston pastor, Kevin M. MacKenzie, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston, and Boston City Councilor, Brian Worrell, District 4.

With the support of the Mayor Thomas M. Menino Fund for Boston, Catholic Charities Boston, City of Boston Credit Union, and the Boston Police Department, the event was able to distribute toys, food, and clothing to hundreds of families impacted by the increased cost of groceries, gas, and basic needs items.

“There is nothing better than being able to give a child something meaningful that will allow them to have a happy Christmas,” said Joao DosSantos, Director of Catholic Charities Boston’s Teen Center at St. Peter’s. “It is a way of giving some happiness and peace to a family.”

Additional sponsors include Amazon, City of Boston Credit Union, Bosco Crane, Ledbetter Electric, Arranta Bio, Massport Authority, Holly McGrath – Highland Charities, Catholic Charities, Joe and Mary Consalvo, Table Talk Pies, Dollar Tree, Boston University, the McKeeney Family, Keith Construction, Boston Police Detective Benevolent Society, Capital Waste, Olympia Moving and Storage, Barletta Engineering – Heavy Equipment.

About Catholic Charities Boston’s Teen Center

The Catholic Charities Teen Center serves as a safe haven for close to 300 adolescents living in Dorchester’s most troubled areas during after school hours and throughout the summer months. The staff, programs, and activities aim to increase teens’ self-esteem while providing the tools needed for academic and personal growth, as well as their success in the community. To learn more or to support their work, visit ccab.org/teencenter.