Catholic Charities will be hosting the 32st Annual Giving Tree event at Mall of America this year!

While the emphasis of the event is offering a chance to give back, they are also planning for a lot of fun with the chance to meet therapy animals including alpacas, llamas, a mini horse, cats and dogs.
One of my holiday traditions has been purchasing items for those in need and donating. In previous years I’ve found trees in various malls or stores that had an ornament or small tag with a specific need or want.
I would then purchase the item and bring it back to that location. In recent years, the needs have grown and the way people give has changed.

The Catholic Charities Annual Giving Tree event at Mall of America is a way to continue the tradition. The event is only for two days so they ask that you view the wish list here and bring the items December 21st and 22nd.
In the past I have had success finding brand new items at thrift stores. For example, I’ve found brand new sheet sets and packages of underwear. It’s worth checking there or the current sales at your favorite stores. You can also browse the latest sales on our Current Deals Page.
If you aren’t in the metro or already have plans this weekend, you can shop online from their wish list and have the items shipped directly to Catholic Charities.
Fun Activities Planned
This is a festive family-friendly event that provides community members of all ages with easy ways to give back and spread some holiday spirit!
The two-day event features opportunities to shop for someone in need; participate in quick volunteer activities; learn more about the work of Catholic Charities; and meet therapy animals.
Giving Tree will take place at the Mall of America (Macy’s Court) from 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22.
Giving Tree supports Catholic Charities’ efforts to provide housing, emergency shelter, and direct services to more than 33,000 men, women, children and families every year. At the event, attendees can:
- shop for someone in need;
- assemble “sock-n-rolls,” which are cold-weather care packages consisting of socks, handwarmers, lip balm, tissues, and lotion — showing just how easy it is to make a difference for a neighbor served by Catholic Charities;
- And this year, North Star Therapy Animals — including alpacas, llamas, dogs, and cats — will be at the Giving Tree from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 21 and on Sunday, December 22. Catholic Charities’ trauma-informed care approach aims to respond to individual needs in a safe, supportive environment — and therapy animals offer emotional support for clients and staff alike.
The first 25 people who bring a donated gift to Giving Tree on Saturday will receive a free signed copy of the book “The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands,” co-written by local New York Times best-selling author Resmaa Menakem and local Regional Emmy Award-winning actor, vocalist, and author T. Mychael Rambo. The book shares the beauty of connections across generations. As a former Catholic Charities Board Member and client, T. Mychael Rambo will be onsite at Giving Tree on Saturday, December 21, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. to sign books.
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Kristi is married with twin daughters. She grew up on a small dairy farm, but now lives in the south metro area. She enjoys finding free or thrifty things to do whether they are outings close to home or last minute adventures to far-away places.
Kristi can also be found enjoying estate sales, attempting to garden, volunteering in the wetlands or a favorite thrift store, or maybe just enjoying a good play in one of the many theatre venues in the area.
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