Last Updated on December 26, 2025 by Editor
In addition to the Giving Tree, this Advent our parish will be seeking donations to help the following two organizations.
Backyard Hope Inc.
This nonprofit organization based in Utica is dedicated to partnering with local school districts and community organizations to support youth and families throughout our region. It needs travel-size toiletries.
It also has an Amazon Wishlist from which you can purchase the items. Go to Amazon, click “Find a list or registry” and then click on “Find a registry” and type “Backyard Hope” in the search area. Click on “Backyard Hope” and select the items you would like to purchase and have it sent directly to the organization.
If you have any questions, contact Danielle Padula at 315-292-0114 or hello@backyardhope.org
Christmas Bags for the Homeless
The second organization is headed by Felix LaBella, who has been helping the homeless men and women in the greater Utica area. Each year, he collects Christmas bags to pass out to them. These bags show the homeless that they are cared about and prayers are offered for them.
Please write MALE or FEMALE on each bag. Men’s and women’s needs are different.
There are five or six homeless men to one homeless woman. So, if you want to make five bags, please make four men and one woman. If you make three bags, make two men and one women (or just three bags for men.) If you make two bags you can make one man and one woman. Anything you give is a blessing.
Many of the items can be bought at the area dollar stores.
The following are suggestions to put in each bag. You could purchase the large Christmas gift bags at the Dollar Tree.
- A card expressing hope and faith.
- Many homeless couch surf and end up at places such the Rescue Mission of Utica Drop-In Center, so an activity or doodle book with colored pens or pencils are great to pass the time.
- A $5 gift card to McDonald’s or Dunkin are great — but no more than $5.
- Hat, gloves and scarf.
- Socks.
- Candy and snacks.
- Hand warmers.
If you don’t want to buy a bag you can put it in a brown or plastic bag.
Felix is hoping to collect 200 bags. He will be handing them out to all the homeless people he sees and knows in the streets. You can bring them to the parish office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
If you have any questions, call Felix at 315-725-0808
For any other questions, call Terri Panuccio at the parish office at 315-735-1482 or 315-794-4085.