Catholic Charities HALO Program Brings Christmas Joy to Ashtabula
The HALO program by Catholic Charities helps families in Ashtabula celebrate Christmas with meals and gifts, fostering community support.
Ashtabula, Ohio, Christmas, HALO Program, Catholic Charities, Community Support
Ashtabula: On December 20, hundreds of families in need were treated to a Christmas dinner and gifts at the HALO program’s Share Your Christmas event. This annual gathering took place at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds, all thanks to the hard work of Catholic Charities.
Jill Valentic, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities, shared that HALO is all about community spirit. It’s not just a one-off event; it’s a chance for everyone to come together and spread some Christmas cheer.
According to Alice Harden, the HALO Coordinator, the program has really expanded over the last six years. They now provide not only toys for kids but also gift bags for seniors filled with essentials like toiletries.
Harden mentioned that they tailor the packages based on family needs. Local groups, churches, and businesses have pitched in, organizing toy drives and donating items. If they’re short on anything, they go out and buy it.
Organizations like Country Neighbor and Youth Opportunities teamed up with Harden’s crew to ensure every family gets what they need. Valentic emphasized how the community always steps up, whether it’s through donations or volunteering time.
She added that the goal is to give families hope and reassurance that they can have a Christmas, even when times are tough.
Harden noted that they often get calls from families facing hardships right before Christmas, like job losses or health issues. Their mission is to make sure every child has something under the tree.
Barbara Klingensmith, Executive Director of Country Neighbor, said they’ve been collaborating with Catholic Charities for five years. They provide food while Catholic Charities handles the gifts.
They aim to ensure families have a nice meal on Christmas Day. This year, they distributed hams and saw a record turnout, even surpassing numbers from the pandemic years.
Patrick Arcaro, Executive Director of Job and Family Services, mentioned how important it is to reach out to families in need and offer support when they need it most.
The HALO program’s main fundraising event is the Halo Gala held in November, which raised a good amount of money this year. Harden was thrilled to report they hit their goal of 405 attendees.
The Ashtabula County Fair Board generously provided the fairgrounds for this event, making it all possible.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski expressed gratitude for the community effort, highlighting how significant this event is for everyone involved.