CARITAS holiday giveaway supports hundreds of Virginians in need

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — For hundreds of Virginians facing financial hardship, the holiday season can bring added stress. CARITAS helped ease that burden through its annual holiday giveaway, providing essentials and gifts to those in need.

The nonprofit offers programs and resources year-round for people experiencing homelessness and addiction recovery. However, on Thursday, Dec. 18, Christmas came early for more than 300 participants from the organization's shelters and addiction treatment program, The Healing Place.

“All of our participants are below the poverty line, and many of them actually have no income,” said Ejana Bennett, CARITAS’ senior manager of community engagement. “So it may be difficult for them to receive some of these essentials during the general year.”

Throughout the day, groups of participants received free clothing, winter gear, and shoes provided by 'Shood', a local nonprofit that supplies footwear to disadvantaged communities.

“During the holidays, it can be really difficult for our participants who are away from family.” Bennett said. “Really CARITAS has become their family, and this is a time for us to love on them a little bit extra, make sure that they feel valued and that they also are seen.”

James Jones, a participant at the Healing Place for Men, said the giveaway has helped him experience a sense of community.

“Coming from where I come from, a lot of this.. Christmas and things like that, I didn’t really participate much in,” Jones said. “Since I’ve been here, it’s been a lot of love coming from CARITAS and down at the Healing Place.”

Organizers say the event is made possible by community donations and the help of dozens of volunteers like Lisa Clemmer. After volunteering in 2021, Clemmer and her sister Krista Cole came up with the idea to create a free holiday shopping experience for families.

“We try to make it like going to a store so you can find that thing that resonates with you for that person,” Clemmer said.

The sisters stock the room with toys, stuffed animals, body care and other presents to give people the dignity of choosing a gift for their loved ones so they too can experience the joy of giving.

“I feel like they’re always surprised that they don’t have to pay for it,” said Cole. “They’re so thankful and just gracious that they’re able to give it to their families.”

Those interested in volunteering or donating can learn more at caritasva.org.