“Does Santa come to Clare House?” a second-grade student at Aquarian Charter School quietly asked me on the last day of school before Christmas break. All eyes were on me. The teacher, her students, and their parents waited for my answer. “I haven’t been at Clare House on Christmas Eve, so I haven’t seen him, but I am sure he does,” I said. Everyone sighed with relief.
The truth is, thanks to families at Aquarian and others community-minded businesses, there is an abundance of Christmas magic at Catholic Social Services.
Ms. Jessica’s second-grade class organized bake sales at school and raised money to buy Christmas gifts for children staying at Clare House. These young students not only raised the funds, but they also picked out each gift and hand delivered them to Clare House. Each of the donated basketballs, board games, and Legos helped create the magic of Christmas for the 21 families who woke up at Clare House on Christmas morning.
Christmas Trees for Every Family
Volunteers from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company provided Christmas trees at Clare House
This year, every client’s private room at Clare House was sprinkled with holiday magic after volunteers from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company provided Christmas trees and hosted a party for moms and children to create ornaments to decorate their trees and frost cookies. Each tree, with its twinkling lights, lit the spot where gifts could be placed, helping Christmas hope fill each room.
Shop with a Cop: A Special Tradition
Kids at Clare House had the chance to become gift givers themselves during the 25th annual Lisa Whitmore Shop with a Cop event. This year, 33 children participated, paired with Anchorage police officers and firefighters with their Christmas wish lists in hand. While each child was encouraged to choose something for themselves, their carts were also filled with gifts for family members.
Robin Dempsey, CEO, and CSS board member, Chaplin Liz Loeffler, at the annual Shop with a Cop Event
One young boy picked out a bike for his brother, a teen girl selected a card and blanket for her mom, and another child chose to prioritize gifts for others over a Nintendo Switch he wanted. This heartwarming event was made possible by Anchorage Cops for Community, Anchorage Fire Fighters, Nuvision Alaska, Kendall Toyota of Anchorage, Kendall Lexus of Anchorage, and Fred Meyer. Together, they created a Christmas morning full of magic for the families at Clare House.
Santa and Mrs. Claus also made a special visit to Clare House this holiday season. Mrs. Claus shared her favorite story about a tiny sled that found its purpose as a child’s treasured toy, reminding everyone of the joy of giving.
Spreading Christmas Cheer across Catholic Social Services
The Providence Communication Team wrapping gifts and sharing hot chocolate and treats with guests at the 3rd Avenue Resource & Navigation Center.
The magic of Christmas extends to all Catholic Social Services programs. Children from schools and churches across Anchorage made Christmas decorations and cards for shelters. Every guest staying in a shelter woke up to wrapped gifts, thanks to generous donors and volunteers. Essentials like socks, hats, and gloves were lovingly wrapped, stockings were filled with hygiene items and treats, and breakfast casseroles were delivered to celebrate Christmas morning.
While I haven’t personally seen Santa sneaking into Clare House on Christmas Eve, I know his magic is there. It’s in the love and joy brought by this incredible community that makes the season special. Thank you for being part of the community that creates this Christmas magic for our neighbors.