Maryhurst Giving Tree
Coordinator: Katie McCullum
For over 20 years, St. Leonard Parish has helped make the Christmas season a little brighter for the residents at Maryhurst.
What is Maryhurst and who do they help?
Established in 1835 by St. Mary Euphrasia of the Sisters of Good Shepherd in Angers, France, Maryhurst works to prevent abuse, restore hope and empower survivors. Five sisters sent by St. Mary Euphrasia opened the first Maryhurst home on 8th Street and Madison in Louisville in 1843. It is the oldest child welfare agency in Kentucky.
Maryhurst stands together with the children and families of Kentucky who are facing crisis – offering healing and hope – by:
- Working together with kids and families to build resilience and a sense of worth
- Caring for girls who have been diagnosed as severely traumatized by abuse
- Offering stability that leads to permanency
Please visit the Maryhurst website for additional information:
What is the St. Leonard Maryhurst Giving Tree?
St. Leonard gives us the opportunity to help girls served by Maryhurst each Christmas by providing the “Giving Tree,” which has wish list items for current residents at Maryhurst. The tree ornaments are composed of first names of the residents, their ages, and an item they have requested for Christmas. These vary from toys and personal care items to the very basics of need, such as a warm coat for the winter months. Parishioners select an ornament, shop for the resident, and return the gift to St. Leonard where they will be picked up by Maryhurst and given on Christmas to the girls in need.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Leonard parishioners contributed over $2,000 in gift cards instead of gift items for the residents of Maryhurst in 2020. Thank you for your generosity!
If you are interested in learning more about how to help with this annual outreach program, please contact Katie McCullum (502-314-4265). Volunteers are always needed to coordinate the drive, assist parishioners with their selections before and after Mass on designated Sundays during Advent, and organize collection and delivery of gifts to Maryhurst.