As we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior into our world, we ask you to join Vermont Catholic Charities Inc. in answering the call to show our love and compassion for Vermonters in need of emergency assistance by making a gift to the annual Advent Appeal.

The “Season of Giving” has no bounds for people in need. At Christmastime and throughout the year, it is a daily struggle for many Vermonters to maintain housing,

stay warm or feed their families. This Advent Season, please help people in crisis, especially the most vulnerable among us — children, struggling parents, the elderly and the sick.

Help people like Grace and John keep the electricity and heat on. Grace, John and their three children were struggling to keep the utilities on as John’s hours at work

had been reduced and they faced unexpected medical bills. We helped them avoid the disconnection of their utilities and provided food cards for the family.

Help people like Sharon avoid homelessness. Sharon is a mom of a 4-year-old girl and recently left an abusive relationship. Due to this turmoil, she had fallen behind on rent and faced an eviction notice. We assisted her with her rent so she and daughter could remain in their home.

These are real people, and with your support we can assist people just like them, our neighbors in need. Your gift helps us to continue to show God’s love in concrete ways like this. Last year, thanks to your generosity, we provided assistance to more than 1,600 adults and 1,400 children through the Advent Appeal and Emergency Aid Program. We ask for your prayerful consideration of a donation to this year’s Appeal; every gift — whatever the size — makes a difference. Please support this worthy effort by sending a check to Vermont Catholic Charities, 55 Joy Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403 or giving online at vermontcatholic.org/adventappeal. On behalf of Vermont Catholic Charities and all the Vermonters you will help this year, thank you. May you have blessed Advent and Christmas seasons.

— Mary Beth Pinard, executive director of Vermont Catholic Charities Inc.

—Originally published in the Dec. 8-14, 2018, issue of The Inland See