The Giving Tree Ministry started at St. Cross as a canned food drive many years ago as part of a service project that a student at South High School in Torrance who was also a parishioner wanted to help fulfill.  It has turned into a ministry that serves a large number of families across the South Bay, with our parishioners choosing either individual children or whole families and graciously providing gifts for them, ensuring that these children have something to open on Christmas morning.  In many circumstances, it may not have been possible without the support of St. Cross and our Giving Tree ministry.  

We have ongoing partnerships with the Hermosa Beach City School District; the Redondo Beach Unified School District, the 1736 House Family Crisis Center (that got its start at St. Cross), and the Salvation Army.  Beginning this last year, we expanded our outreach to partner with Dawn Anzack and Joseph’s Gift, which works to support the families of injured or deployed military personnel.  Our parishioner’s generosity allows us to ensure that all children are accounted for each and every year.  In 2025 alone, we were able to provide for 47 families, which totaled 138 children.  We are always grateful for any monetary donations that we receive to help fulfill our ministry, and can use a number volunteers during November and the early part of December.  

Please reach out to Meagan Ittner at mkrave@me.com or at (562) 587-8348 if you are interested in helping out or have any questions about the ministry.  Thank you!