Stars for Jesus is the Social Concerns Ministry’s annual holiday gift collection for various Mercer County organizations (see list below) serving those less fortunate in our community.
 
 If you’d like to help, select star(s) from the bulletin board in the Gathering Space.  Purchase the item listed, tape the star to your gift and drop off your gift and/or monetary gifts at O’Connor Hall on December 7 or 8 before or after all Masses. We kindly ask - Please DO NOT leave gifts at the Rectory or in the Church. Thank you for making the holiday more joyful for those less fortunate!

DARK BLUE STARS – MOUNT CARMEL GUILD The Guild provides two core programs: Home Health Nursing which aides older individuals and a Community Support Program which provides emergency food and utility assistance to prevent homelessness. 
Recommended items:
Gloves (men, women and children)
Dish towels 
Bath towels 
Body lotion
Christmas wrapping paper and/or gift bags
 
ROSE GOLD STARS – BETTER COMMUNITY HOUSING OF TRENTON (formerly Martin House): Assisting and empowering families in Trenton through home ownership and education.  

GOLD STARS  – RIVERSIDE NURSING HOME (formerly the Millhouse) Located in Trenton, please consider adopting a grandparent for Christmas by providing a gift to someone who is alone. 
Recommended items:
Sweatpants, sweatshirts, undershirts ( men and women, sizes L-XXL)
Socks
Chapstick 
Lotion with pump

GREEN STARS  – TRENTON AREA SOUP KITCHEN (TASK) Serving over 400,000 hot meals to those who are hungry in Trenton and offer programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life. 
Recommended items:
Hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant etc…)
Hoodies or coats (new, dark colors, no logos, sizes M-XXXL)
Gloves, hats 
Toys (new, all ages)
 
SILVER STARS  – VISITATION HOME This is a Catholic community (open to all faiths) where people with  developmental disabilities and those without, live together as a family.   It is through these relationships that we  discover each other's gifts and the inherent dignity of each individual. 
Recommended items:
Healthy cereals, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly
Paper towels, toilet paper, small Tupperware containers, tin foil, plastic wrap 
 
LIGHT PINK STARS  – WOMANSPACE Assisting women, men and their children who have been impacted by domestic and sexual abuse.  The mission is to prevent abuse, protect families and change lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services.
Recommended items:
Fall or winter coats
Hygiene products ( shampoo, soap, lotion)
Gift cards
 
RED STARS -  DARE TO CARE An organization that works to end hunger in the community by providing food and other necessities to those in need.  It's volunteers in Mercer County support it with their own money and partner with local agencies such as food pantries and shelters to distribute it.
Recommended items:
Hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream etc…)
Shelf stable milk
Individual cereal boxes
Non perishable food items individual sizes
Laundry soap pods
Paper towels 
Toilet paper 
 
LIGHT BLUE STARS -  SHINE AND INSPIRE Is A Non-Profit Organization whose Mission is to enhance the quality of life for  Mercer County residents through the charitable gifts of local businesses, religious organizations and members of the community based on the concept of paying it forward.
Recommended items:
Hygiene products (shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc…)
Towels, washcloths 
Gloves, hats, socks 

ENVELOPES –   INTERFAITH CAREGIVERS OF MERCER COUNTY (Helping Hands): Helping the elderly and disabled who are in need in our community.   Monetary donations are greatly appreciated.  Kindly make your check payable to St. Gregory the Great with Interfaith Caregivers in the memo line.
 
ENVELOPES – FOOD PANTRY Monetary contributions are requested to help with important items in the food pantry at St. Raphael-Holy Angels and Mount Carmel Guild.  Kindly make your check payable to St. Gregory the Great with Food Pantry in the memo line.