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December 18, 2025An ALDI grocery advertisement, showing how a family of 10 could enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal – turkey, sides and dessert – for just $40, caught the attention of Father Jim Goins and Sharon Blakely.
And it spurred them into action, an action of love, resulting in the raising of nearly $11,000 in ALDI gift cards to provide meals for families in need.
Father Goins, pastor at Saint Eugene Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, and Blakely, the parish manager, launched a campaign inviting parishioners to purchase ALDI gift cards and drop them into collection baskets or bring them to the parish office. Each card was paired with a grocery list, giving recipients the dignity of shopping for their own families and preparing a meal to give thanks to God, the giver of all things.
The response was overwhelming. In just two weekends, more than 200 cards were collected and distributed through parish outreach, Catholic Charities and Saint Vincent de Paul.
The campaign’s reach extended further, blessing families served by Catholic Charities’ Caritas Casitas, a new housing initiative for low-income families, and those supported by Saint Vincent de Paul ministries.
“This campaign showed how simple acts, like a gift card and grocery list, can restore dignity and hope,” Blakely said. “It’s something we can continue as a tradition, reminding us that gratitude and generosity are at the heart of parish life.
“I was deeply moved when families asked if there was a catch or if they had to jump through hoops. It brought me to tears, because the truth is simple – there’s no catch to Christ’s love. It is freely given, no questions asked.”
Volunteer parish receptionist Gina Dougherty said, “Welcoming families and seeing their joy reminded me why I serve. One man came late yesterday and thought he was too late, but when he received a card he wanted to give me a hug to thank everyone. That was so sweet. Everyone was so nice yesterday, and it was a blessing to be part of something that truly reflects Christ’s love.”
Father Goins said, “Catholic parishes live out faith in action every day. At Saint Eugene, our ministry to the poor is active and generous, from winter coat drives to this Thanksgiving’s gift card campaign. We gave cards to everyone who asked, offering trust and compassion. That’s faith put into action. The Church is often criticized and ridiculed in this day and age, but the poor know that we will help them. That’s why they so often turn to us first. We should be grateful for that trust.”
Photo provided.