The Adopt A Family Ministry helps to bring hope and joy at Christmas to families beset by illness, disability or financial hardship. We do this by inviting groups of generous individuals (families, co-workers, neighbors, etc.) to adopt the needs of a family referred for assistance by a community organization. We begin early in the fall and wrap up just before Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions
How are the recipients selected? Families are screened and referred by our parish ministries, the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, and local charities. We serve approximately 80 families each year.

Who adopts the families? Most often, a group -- a family, a coworkers, friends or neighbors -- unites to adopt a family.

How much does adoption cost?  That depends on recipient's family size and the donor's resources, but keep in mind that these gifts are often the only ones each family receives. We provide information and suggestions for each family member. Donors buy and wrap the gifts.

If I am cannot adopt a whole family, can I still help? Yes! Join us on drop-off day (the third Saturday in Advent) to check in and sort gifts. Donations of gift cards are also appreciated.

COORDINATORS:
Linda Elser
Kim Pizzirusso
Jim & Lynn Paolucci
Contact

Our Advent Angels help us remember our parish homebound and recently bereaved, who can find the holidays an especially difficult and lonely time.
"Angels" volunteer to visit one or more of these parishioners with a small gift and a poinsettia plant donated by parishioners and the parish. Sign up early in December, pick up your gifts on the third Sunday in Advent, and deliver any time that week at your convenience.
Contact:
Peg Tareila
ilvtrack@yahoo.com
(510) 566-4167

A favorite St. John's tradition, the St. Nicholas Project serves our homebound, bereaved, and brothers and sisters across our community. This ministry benefits:

The residents and staff of Divine Providence Village, an Archdiocesan residential care facility serving women with disabilities and complex medical conditions.

CityTeam Chester, which provides food, clothing, shelter, recovery support and pastoral care to Chester-area residents.

Homebound and bereaved members of our parish, who receive gifts delivered by our Advent Angels.

Donors are needed each Advent to adopt the material needs of these recipients. Online and in-person options are available. Watch for announcements in November.


Contact:
Mary Chollet
mchollet@sjcparish.org
(610) 874-3418 x 106

Each fall, St. John Chrysostom Parish provides a frozen turkey and groceries for dozens of needy area families to prepare a Thanksgiving meal at home. This ministry is made possible by generous monetary and food donations by our parishioners. Monetary donations may be made at any time during the year. Volunteers gather on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to sort and pack food and distribute meals.

Contact:
Marita Green
maritagreen6@gmail.com
(610) 724-1376