Heartwarming gift collection at St. Mary of Vernon
Children carried wrapped gifts to the alter at St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church on Sunday, adding to an already massive pile of presents gathered as part of the Indian Creek church's Gift Sunday.
For more than 25 years, the church annually has set aside one weekend before Christmas to help make the holiday season a little brighter for low-income families. Gifts were collected during Saturday night Mass and during three Sunday morning Masses.
"It's very heartwarming because so many people participate," said church secretary Sue Wogan. "Kids like to bring gifts up with their parents. It warms your heart and it is very impressive."
Parishioners will help provide gifts to nearly 1,200 people through the Catholic Charities Christmas Gift Program and food through the Sharing Hands Food Pantry. They'll also help children from St. Angela School in Chicago.