During a Christmas that was so different for all of us, I am grateful that at least one thing did not change. I have begun to call it the St. Mary’s miracle, not so much in the literal sense but in the amazing work that is done and the impact on all involved.

Each year, the Washington D.C., Alumnae Club of St. Mary’s College (in Notre Dame, Indiana) holds its Together for Others drive to assist a few families in our area. I have been involved with the project for the last 25 years or so going back to my time at Mount Calvary Parish in Forestville, and then over the last decade with Catholic Charities.

The stories are amazing, and, for the many who get involved, Christmas becomes even more special. This year, again through the efforts of Beth Veihmeyer, who has headed up the service project for 32 years, her husband, John, and many more, two families were blessed with an abundance of Christmas joy and hope.

A family of four and a family of 10, both led by single mothers, were referred to Together for Others by Catholic Charities’ School Based Mental Health program. Both families are active members of the program.

The last year has been tough on all of us, but especially on those in low-income neighborhoods. KaShawna Watson, who heads up our School Based Mental Health program, has noticed that the combination of online school, protests against police brutality and financial distress have hit young people especially hard.

This year’s campaign helped bring smiles to 14 kids and their mothers at a time when they need it. In early December, each family received a Christmas tree with all the trimmings. Then came gifts, gifts, and more gifts on “Santa’s sleigh.” The sleigh was teeming with toys, crafts, and electronics, as well as essentials like small appliances, clothing and shoes. Both families also received school supplies and other items to facilitate online learning, and they also were given cash donations to help with expenses and those unexpected emergencies that pop up.

One of the families was in desperate need of a reliable vehicle, and they got their wish when Jim Coleman Automotive in Bethesda agreed to overhaul the family’s car. A Wider Circle and Father John’s Attic also helped by providing rugs and pieces of furniture that included couches, beds, and dressers, which Catholic Charities’ staff members put together.

The Christmas deliveries were met with delight and excitement by the mothers and their children. In addition to much-needed help for the families, it is beautiful and heartwarming to see how many people step up to help those in need.

Beth Veihmeyer said the response was overwhelming this year. The club used an Amazon wish list for the first time to collect items, and her house was practically filled with Amazon boxes. They listed 186 items on Amazon and received every single one, as well as monetary donations for the families.

One of the reasons I love my job is witnessing firsthand how much people want to help. I have experienced this so many times through the years. In a time of anger and division, I see hearts that are built to help their neighbors by giving of their time, talent, and treasure. This is especially true when they can see in a very specific way what their gift will do for those in need. They willingly open their hearts and their wallets, as we saw again this year with Together for Others and many other efforts at Catholic Charities, including the annual Angel Tree program that provided Christmas gifts to a record 1,600 children.

Some might call the extraordinary acts of charity these two families received a miracle. I’m sure the families would, and so would I. Not only did they receive toys that made Christmas special for their children, they also received essentials to help them in their time of need. They also received hope and love, knowing that a community out there cares for them as brothers and sisters in Jesus.

I think there is another miracle that also happens. I’ve also seen this time and time again throughout the years. Those who join the effort to help find themselves changed by their giving, their reaching out, their compassion for others, and by seeing Jesus in those around them. They feel the peace spoken of by the angels two thousand years ago: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)

Whether you find yourself in need or able to help those who are, may God bless you with a healthy, happy and holy 2021.

(Msgr. Enzler is the president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.)