In place of receiving gifts, the Sussmann kids are asking you to join them in a Christmas fundraiser for five special charities! 

In this unusual year, and with so many in need, it was tough for the kids to settle on a single organization for their annual Christmas giving project.

Instead, each of them (except for baby Sixtus) has chosen a charity to benefit, and they are together requesting donations to divide among the five charities. 

Here are the kids' descriptions of their choices. You can also read more at each organization's website. 

Audrey, 14 | Good Counsel Homes 
"This year, our family had a new baby, and many others we know are expecting, so I would again like to support Good Counsel Homes and its wonderful work helping expecting mothers facing homelessness and other challenges. They provide temporary housing, vocational assistance, and education."

Blaise, 11 | St. Joseph's Home
https://yorkstreetproject.org/our-programs/st-josephs-home/ 
"St. Joseph's Home in Jersey City provides transitional housing to homeless mothers and their children. We've organized Christmas gift drives for them in the past and have also given them birthday care packages on our own birthdays. We'll always want to help this charity in our first hometown."

Xavier, 11 | Little Sisters of the Poor 
"I've been so grateful for my new baby brother, Sixtus, but I also want to remember people at the other end of life, the elderly.  The Little Sisters of the Poor provide homes for the elderly poor in over 30 countries, across all races and religions. Please help me in supporting their humble service to some of world's neediest."

Felicity, 7 | Unbound 
"My older brothers and sister have sponsored children in need in the Philippines through Unbound. I've liked seeing them exchange letters with their sponsored children, and even video chat with them. I was so excited to receive my First Holy Communion this year -- now, as I'm growing up, I'd like to help another child like me."

Cosmas, 4 | St. Ann's Home
https://peacecarenj.org/st-anns/
During our evening prayers Cosmas regularly prays for his Lola Lil, a great-aunt who lives at St. Ann's Home, so we thought he would like to raise money for their good work. 

The kids have set a fundraising goal of $3030 and have donated from their savings -- ten times each child's age, as suggested by Blaise -- for an initial total of $470. 

We plan to divide any donations among the five charities, but if you prefer for your gift to go to a specific organization please let us know and we'll be sure to earmark it accordingly.

Any donation means so much to the kids, and no amount is too small. Thank you for all your generosity over the years and for helping Audrey, Blaise, Xavier, Felicity, and Cosmas celebrate Christmas in this joyful way!