The Social Concerns Ministry at St. Mary’s Catholic Church is reaching out to the community to support its efforts to provide holiday meals and gifts to needy families in the area.

Donations of food for Thanksgiving or children’s gifts for Christmas will not be accepted this year. This is a major change from previous years when families received personalized food and gift baskets delivered to their homes by parish volunteers.

This year, Social Concerns Ministry is asking for monetary donations or gift cards to assist with its work.

The intent is to purchase and provide grocery gift cards for Thanksgiving and gift cards for Christmas giving.  This way, families will have a way to celebrate the holidays in their own way, by purchasing dinner and selecting gifts for their children. In the past, Social Concerns has helped more than 90 needy families selected by area schools’ guidance counselors.

Donations can be mailed to Social Concerns Ministry, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 795 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth, MA 02748 or dropped in the Parish Center’s mail slot located behind the church. Checks should be made payable to: Social Concerns Ministry.