“Our community kicks off the holiday season unlike any other event in our area. We gather together to give to those in need. People gave gifts, money, and personal care items, but more importantly they gave their time helping us make blankets, wrap gifts, sign cards, and decorate trees. I am so proud to be part of such a giving community,” said Jenny Huard, assistant development director at Conception Abbey.

In partnership with the Tri-C Partners for Progress, Conception Abbey was able to gather:

• $1,205 in monetary and gift card contributions,
• 247 personal care items,
• 100+ baby items, and
• 300+ canned food items

All of these items will be distributed to local food pantries and ministry centers in the Maryville, Stanberry, and the Tri-C area (Conception, Conception Jct., and Clyde).

318 gift items were also gathered and wrapped for eleven local families in need. Items are still being collected through Friday, December 9 and can be dropped off at Conception Abbey’s St. Raphael Hall. These gifts and their very own decorated Christmas tree will be distributed to the eleven adopted families the week before Christmas.

Local individuals, families, monks, and seminarians who gathered for the event also signed Christmas cards for residents in local nursing homes and made 47 blankets that will also be distributed to people in need – squashing the record 19 blankets made last year.

“We are very grateful for the response from the local community and our seminarians. They make this event successful,” said Fr. Macario Martinez, Conception Abbey’s development director. “In a society where it’s all about me, #GivingTuesday is the opposite. It’s about others and what we can do to help them. We are excited that this event keeps growing each year.”

This is the third year Conception Abbey and the Tri-C Partners for Progress have sponsored a #GivingTuesday event.