The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. — Isaiah 9:1

Please consider being the light for Vermonters in need of emergency assistance by making a gift to Vermont Catholic Charities’ annual Advent Appeal. For 29 years, you have answered the call to bring the joy and hope of the Advent season to those in need.

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. By giving to the Advent Appeal you help people in crisis, especially the most vulnerable among us — children, struggling parents, the elderly, and those dealing with medical issues.

Help people like Doreen and Sue put food on the table. Doreen is a grandmother who moved in with her daughter, Sue, to help care for her four grandchildren while Sue recovered from an illness. We provided the family with a food card. Doreen stated, “We are grateful for this assistance. After a difficult year, this support will allow us to have a memorable Christmas. God bless you.”

Help parents like Mike and Julie keep the lights on. Mike and Julie are parents of two children. They work full-time but had an unexpected car repair which put them behind on their bills. They faced a utility disconnect notice. We assisted them with the utility bill. They stated, “Your kindness paved a path to safety and peace.”

These are real people, and with your support we can assist people just like them, our neighbors in need. Every gift — whatever the size — makes a difference. Last year, thanks to your generosity, more than 1,300 adults and 900 children received aid through the Advent Appeal and our year-round Emergency Aid Program. Please support this worthy effort by sending a check to Vermont Catholic Charities, 55 Joy Drive,

South Burlington, VT 05403 or giving online at www.vermontcatholic.org/ adventappeal or scanning the QR code above. Your gift helps us continue to be the hands and feet of Christ, showing God’s love in concrete ways.

On behalf of Vermont Catholic Charities and all the Vermonters you will help, thank you. May the peace of the Advent and Christmas seasons be with you and your loved ones.

With gratitude,

Mary Beth Pinard

Executive Director, Vermont Catholic Charities

—Originally published in the Nov. 11-17, 2023, edition of The Inland See