Jesse Tree Project

The annual St. Michael Jesse Tree Ministry provides Christmas gifts for children in need in our community. Each year, the parish helps hundreds of families with gifts for children aged 0–18 and food gift cards to assist with holiday meals. Last year, we served 1,051 children in 385 families; this year, our goal is 1,045 children in 390 families from 12 schools and community organizations.

Take An Ornament
Our Jesse Trees are adorned with ornaments representing children’s gift requests. Parishioners are invited to select an ornament, purchase and wrap the gift, and return it with the child’s card attached.

Can’t make it to the church? You can still participate by taking a virtual ornament online!
Choose a virtual ornament here.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are essential to making the Jesse Tree a success. There are many ways to get involved, including:

• Sorting and organizing gifts
• Shopping for unclaimed ornaments
• Wrapping and preparing gifts for distribution

Volunteering is a meaningful way to share your time, talent, and treasure, live out stewardship, and bring Christ’s joy to families in our community.

Volunteer sign-ups here!

Monetary Donations

If you’re unable to shop for a gift, monetary donations are a vital way to help. Funds are used to fulfill gift requests and provide food gift cards for families. A suggested gift of $60 helps sustain this ministry, and every contribution makes a difference.

Ways to donate:

• Online Donation: Scan the QR code or click here to donate online.
• By Check: Make checks payable to the church with “Jesse Tree” in the memo line.
  Checks may be placed in the offering plate, mailed, or dropped off at the Parish office.

Keep Dates

• October 24: Volunteer Sign-Up Opened
• November 15: Trees Go Up / Ornament Pick-Up
• November 16: Ministry Showcase (Opportunity to pick up an ornament and/or donate after masses)
• December 7: Deadline for Returning Wrapped Gifts
• December 13: Gift Sorting Day (volunteers needed)
• December 14: Distribution Day (volunteers needed)
• Now through Distribution Sunday: Monetary Donations

Learn More

For full details, updates, and this year’s specific events, please visit:

• This Year’s Blog
• Jesse Tree Ministry Information

Your support can help ensure no child feels forgotten this Christmas. Together, we can fulfill these wishes and spread the love of Christ to families in our community.

For any questions, please email us at jessetree@stmcary.org.

Thank you for your support and generosity!

With gratitude,
The Jesse Tree Leadership Team
Sharon Braswell, Sherry Kilgus-Kramer, Sherry Hicks