This week, CCSJ is hosting a gift drive and accepting donations on campus and online for Presents for Christmas, a Loyola program that makes the holidays come alive for families across Baltimore through Dec. 13. For over 20 years, Loyola has participated in the program that supports Baltimore City youth and families during the holiday season.
According to Loyola’s website, CCSJ oversees the program and donates the gifts to Catholic Charities. Monetary donations are sent to The Choice Program, Esperanza Center, Govans Elementary School, Nexus-Woodbourne Family Healing, and Refugee Youth Project.
Over the years, Presents for Christmas has become a cherished tradition, uniting students, faculty, and staff in the spirit of giving. Eva Reynolds ‘26 said the program brings joy to families and fosters a sense of purpose and connection among participants.
“I have grown up in the Baltimore area and go to college here, so engaging with the community is super important to me,” Reynolds said. “Knowing the college I attend gives us the chance to give back is a great feeling.”
Getting in the holiday spirit as a college student can sometimes be challenging. The month that is typically spent gearing up for the magic of the holidays becomes three weeks of stress, studying, late nights, and finals. Presents for Christmas provides Loyola students with the opportunity to feel tuned into the holiday spirit through the gift of giving. Special Projects Program Coordinator Maeve Walsh ‘26 said this program is special to Loyola because of our core values as an institution.
“Loyola encourages students, faculty, and alumni to make a positive impact on the world and Presents for Christmas provides a meaningful way to support local families,” Walsh said. “Presents for Christmas brings the community together to spread holiday cheer.”
Donations can be physical gifts, such as toys, books, clothes, or household needs, or can be monetary donations done through the CCSJ website.
“Everyone is welcome to donate,” Walsh said. “We accept gifts at any price point. The monetary donation option is perfect for loved ones who are near and far from campus that want to get involved.”
All physical gifts donated will go to the Baltimore Catholic Charities’ Superstore. Every year, Catholic Charities sets up a holiday store where families can shop free of charge for gifts to give their families. The families served are integral to the Baltimore community, and this program brings the magic of Christmas alive.
“My favorite part of Presents for Christmas is seeing all the toys that get donated by the end of the drive,” Walsh said. “Each gift goes directly to a child, so seeing the number of items donated is very meaningful. It puts into perspective of how many families Presents for Christmas directly impact.”
This year, CCSJ has raised over $3,000 and has received almost 500 presents. Last year, Presents for Christmas raised $4,300 in addition to the gifts donated. The program serves hundreds of families, so there is still work that needs to be done.
CCSJ is accepting donations through Dec. 13. Members of Loyola can donate by stopping by the CCSJ table outside Boulder, or you can deliver gifts to the CCSJ office at Cohn Hall 100. Monetary donations can be made online or delivered in person to the CCSJ office.
