With the approach of Advent comes an annual opportunity for Catholics “to respond with mercy and compassion to our brothers and sisters in need,” noted Karen Dehais, president and diocesan director of Catholic Charities.
The 56th Catholic Courier/Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal will raise money for unrestricted emergency funds administered by Catholic Charities offices and affiliates throughout the diocese.
Dehais said funds raised through the appeal “help hungry families put food on the table and give people experiencing homelessness a safe, warm place to sleep — and so much more.”
Christmas Appeal goal set at $50,000; ROC the Day Dec. 2
This year’s campaign will kick off on Dec. 1, the Monday after Thanksgiving, and run through Feb. 28, 2026.
The goal for the 2025-26 appeal is $50,000, according to Kim Woodams, office manager at the Catholic Courier. Any Christmas Appeal donations that were received after Feb. 28, 2025, will be credited toward this year’s campaign, Woodams said.
Donors will have the chance to give to the appeal online Dec. 2 during United Way’s ROC the Day event, added Heidi Huntington, the Courier’s marketing manager.
“ROC the Day is a great chance to see the Christmas Appeal get off to a strong start by being part of a focused day of community-wide giving, especially coming as it does at the beginning of the campaign,” Huntington said. “It’s also the only opportunity to give to the appeal through an online donation, if that is someone’s preference.”
Unrestricted emergency funds available in times of need
The need for unrestricted funds is greater this year amid rising costs of living and economic uncertainty generated by the current government shutdown, according to Frank Capozzi, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes.
“Utilities costs over the last one or two years have almost doubled, and the average rent for a small unit is $1,000,” he said, noting that such unexpected expenses as a car repair or medical treatment can easily throw a family into financial chaos.
That’s where Catholic Charities can help — with an assist from the Christmas Appeal.
Funds raised through the Christmas Appeal are available to assist people who come to Catholic Charities with both immediate crises and long-term circumstances — many of which involve basic needs like food and shelter, Capozzi said.
Catholic Charities is grateful for even the ‘smallest gift’
Even the smallest gift to the Christmas Appeal can be a tremendous help to those who are in difficult circumstances and need assistance. Capozzi said Catholic Charities has always appreciated people’s donations to the Christmas Appeal, but the level of appreciation this year is greater, because everyone is experiencing economic uncertainty and financial strain, he added.
Dehais agreed, saying that Catholic Charities is deeply grateful to all who share the love of Jesus with those who are struggling.
“Like the Good Samaritan who crossed the road to comfort and care for a person in crisis, we, too, are invited to reach out through the Christmas Appeal to help those in our own communities,” she said.
“Because of the Christmas Appeal, Catholic Charities can make sure the people we serve have what they need to live with dignity,” Dehais said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Prior donors to the Christmas Appeal will receive solicitation letters and donation envelopes around Thanksgiving time. Checks payable to “Christmas Appeal” also may be sent to the Catholic Courier, PO Box 24379, Rochester, NY 14624, along with the donation coupon, which is available at https://bit.ly/2025ChristmasAppealForm.
Tags: Catholic Charities, Faith in Action
