Christmas Basket Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I sign up?

A. Simply fill out the 1/2 page green form available at weekend masses in mid-October. The forms will also be available in the Pastoral Center. Return the form as indicated. Within a week, you will receive in the mail the necessary information on your requested family.

Q. My “family” has some unusual requests. What should I do?

A. Please use the form with your family information only as a guide. While the agencies that help fill out the forms try to encourage reasonably priced gifts, some unusual requests slip by. Please buy according to your budget. Most forms will have all the information needed to buy the appropriate gift: first name, age, gender, sizes, and gift requests.

Q. I am not much of a shopper, but I want to do this. How can I make this an easy, enjoyable experience?

A. Consider shopping with a friend. Your children may enjoy the shopping as well. Look for the sales. Consider shopping at the discount department stores. This may be the start of an annual Christmas tradition!

Q. How do I get my gifts back to you?

A. In the same envelope with your family will be a letter describing in detail how to prepare your box and when to return it to Holy Cross. Please read that letter carefully. It is likely that over 500 boxes will be coming in. Your promptness in returning your box will be greatly appreciated.

Q. Can I just put canned goods into my “family’s” box instead of the Jewel Food Certificates?

A. Jewel Food Certificates are requested as we generally do not know any dietary restrictions. Jewel Food Certificates will be on sale at the Church and Pastoral Center. Canned goods and any other bulky/heavy items add weight to your box, which is not desirable. Jewel is preferred to Dominick’s as the Jewel stores are more accessible in the areas served by this program. We also receive funds from the certificate sales to use for Holu Cross Outreach programs.

Q. My box is going to be large and heavy. Is that OK?

A. If you have sponsored a large family, please consider using several boxes rather than one large box. Bulky, heavy boxes are more of a challenge to store here and for the family to take home in Waukegan.