December 15, 2020

*MEDIA ADVISORY* Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez’s Visit To Saint Edmond’s Home for Children to Mark the 65th Annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Canceled Due To Impending Inclement Weather

Due to impending inclement weather, Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) has announced the cancellation of the outdoor portion of its 65th Annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party that was originally scheduled to take place Thursday, December 17th at Saint Edmond’s Home for Children in Delaware County.

This decision was made in the wake of impending inclement weather. It follows reports from the National Weather Service projecting a major winter storm which is expected to significantly impact much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Wednesday into Thursday.

Approximately 45 residents of Saint Edmond’s Home for Children will receive gifts that were collected and donated by several Archdiocesan High Schools throughout the five-county region as well as Archdiocesan Pastoral Center employees at a later time.

Traditionally, CSS hosts this annual Christmas party for several hundred children and youth who represent thousands of in-need and at risk young people and their families across the Greater Philadelphia region who benefit annually from community-based and residential programs offered by CSS. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration was set to place in a modified fashion outside with due respect for and adherence to guidelines set forth by governmental health agencies.

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Editor’s Note: The Archbishop’s Benefit for Children (ABC) is a year-round fundraising effort that provides necessary support to help ensure the vitality of CSS’ youth programs for children and families of all faiths throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These programs provide help and create hope for thousands of children each year, including children with disabilities, at-risk children, and children of immigrant families. All children in need are served regardless of background and faith. For more information or to make a donation in support of the Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children, please visit https://archbishopsbenefitforchildren.org/.

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers community-based and residential programs and services to support men, women and children in need as an expression of the charitable works of our local Church throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. To learn more about CSS programs that serve a wide variety of human needs, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.