Catholic Foundation donates 100 children's activity bags to migrants at Casa Alitas

By Carissa Krautscheid

For the inaugural Thankful Thursday of the season, the Catholic Foundation gathered with Diocesan staff in giving back to the local community. October’s Thankful Thursday was centered on migrants and asylum seekers, particularly at Casa Alitas.

“Casa Alitas, an agency within Catholic Community Services (CCS), aids asylum-seekers released from ICE and Border Patrol detention into our community. Volunteers offer support by providing hospitality including housing, food, clothing, toiletries, advocacy, and travel assistance. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, comfortable, safe, and healthy location for the guests to await their journeys, and to prepare them to reunite with family across the country.” (Casa Alitas)

Catholic Foundation and Diocesan staff constructed 100 activity bags for children who come to Casa Alitas. Children cherish the toys and books that bring them joy during a confusing and challenging time in their young lives. Adult clothing was also sorted and donated to Casa Alitas. A full list of items that Casa Alitas needs can be found here.

Catholic Foundation staff then delivered the activity bags and clothing to Casa Alitas, which is a 2022 grant recipient of the Catholic Foundation.

Also in attendance was Grace Hearing Center which is “a nonprofit hearing center providing hearing healthcare to low-income adults and under-served children in Tucson” including many migrants and asylum-seekers. “Our goal is for no one to be prevented from the fullness of life due to hearing loss. We rely on the support of our community and volunteers to make our programs sustainable. In return, our unique Circle of Giving model gives our patients the opportunity to give back to the community through volunteer hours.” (Grace Hearing Center)