Dear Catholic Charities Family,
As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we reflect on the meaning of our work and the impact on the community. I am often in awe as I see God working through you while you tirelessly serve others and contribute to the fulfillment of our Mission. It is not easy as it may seem that what we do is never enough to combat the immense hurts and challenges of those seeking our help. Please keep in mind that even the smallest act of kindness is seen by Our Lord and makes a difference. Your efforts bring hope and transform lives, all in God’s proper time! Let us remember that the Lord of the universe came to us as a vulnerable child and the Holy Family experienced deep joy in the most impoverished and humble of settings. For nothing is impossible with God, Angel Gabriel tells us! So let us have joyful hearts as we ponder the true meaning of Christmas and the peace that comes from the promise of salvation.
Merry Christmas!
Katie Baxter, CEO
"So, in our preparations for Christmas during this Advent season, we make our hearts ready to receive this love, by stopping. We stop running. We stop our busyness. We pause and take time to be still. We take time to be quiet. We take time to be with him." - Deacon Ken Preiss
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- November 17-December 23: Owosso Christmas Room Open
- November 30-December 25: Holidays of Hope
- December 1-December 25: 25 Days of Giving
- December 1: Center For Hope Warming Center Opens
- December 15: Veterans Peer Support Group | 4PM-6PM | Hosted by Dan Vela | Sacred Heart Veteran Village
- December 18: Veterans Substance Use Therapy | 1PM-2:30PM | Hosted by Gregory Allan | Sacred Heart Veteran VillageDecember 25: Veterans Lions Watch Party | 4PM-7PM | Sacred Heart Veteran Village
- December 25: Christmas Dinner and Giveaway | 11AM-1PM | North End Soup Kitchen
Get Involved
- Participate in the 25 Days of Giving - Drop of Non Perishables to Dort Financial Credit Unions
- 2845 Davison Road, Flint
- 1091 W. Hill Road, Mundy Township
- 1441 S. State Road, Davison
- 5091 W. Pierson Road, Flint
- 9050 Holly Road, Grand Blanc
- 14265 Fenton Road, Fenton
- 1724 DeMille Road, Lapeer
- 1006 E Main St, Owosso
- 11411 N. Linden Rd, Clio
- 4131 Morrish Rd, Swartz Creek
- Participate in Holidays of Hope - Daily activities that impact our community and inspirational quotes to encourage you this season, subscribe below
- We're Hiring: Licensing Specialist, Counselors for Owosso location. Apply on Indeed
- Sponsor a Meal or Haircut Day at the Sacred Heart Veteran Village
- Adopt-A-Day at the North End Soup Kitchen
- Apply for a Membership to our Mid-Michigan Resource Warehouse - Teachers and Non-Profits only
- Rent our St. Michael Conference Center for your next meeting or big event!
- Consider making a Year-End Gift
What is Needed
- Lockers and Plastic Banquet Tables: Owosso Location
- Non-Perishables, Toiletries, Personal Needs Items: Center for Hope
- Microwavable Shelf-stable meals: Offender Success
Holidays of Hope 2025
I'd like to receive the daily activities and inspirational quotes!
TIPS FOR END OF YEAR GIVING
- Give Stock or Property to Reduce Your Taxes: By giving appreciated assets (such as stock, real estate, business interests or commodities) to Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, you’ll receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of the gift AND bypass the capital gains – whether or not you choose to itemize!
- Give Tax-Free Distributions from Your IRA: If you are age 70 ½ or older, gifts from your IRA are one of the smartest, tax-wise ways you can support the mission of Catholic Charities! Not only do these gifts satisfy your required minimum distribution, they also reduce your taxable income.
- Research Your Employer’s Matching Gift Programs: Many employers offer matching gift programs as part of their philanthropic efforts. For every dollar given, the corporation will make a matching contribution, in some cases on a 2-for-1 basis.
- Streamline Your Giving: If you support several ministries, you may be able to simplify and streamline your giving through a donor-advised fund (DAF) account. Like a “charitable giving account,” you can give cash and appreciated assets into a single fund and then choose when and how to recommend grants to Catholic Charities.
- Timing Is Everything: To receive a deduction on this year’s taxes …
- Gifts of cash must be delivered in-person or mailed in an envelope postmarked no later than December 31.
- Gifts made by credit card must be made no later than December 31.
- Gifts of non-cash assets (such as appreciated stock, real estate, business interests and commodities) must be transferred by December 31.
- Any check you write from your IRA account must be received AND PROCESSED by December 31 in order to count toward your required minimum distribution. Unlike other checks (including those sent directly from your IRA administrator) it is NOT enough that personal IRA checks are postmarked or even hand-delivered by December 31.
- Gifts made into a donor-advised fund (DAF) must be transferred into the account by December 31. You can decide later how to recommend these funds be distributed.
This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Consult your financial advisor and legal counsel for information and advice specific to your situation.
