Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will host the annual Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children for approximately 400 young people who received services from agencies of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this year. They represent approximately 16,000 children across the Delaware Valley who benefited from donations to Catholic Social Services this year.

Approximately 500 Archdiocesan high school students will participate in various aspects of the Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children from greeting children, to serving as Santa's elves to providing entertainment and music. The benefit begins with a parade followed by entertainment and presents. The Phillie Phanatic will also join in the festivities.

Thursday, December 22, 2011
Sheraton Philadelphia Center City Hotel
17th Street between Race and Vine Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103

1:15 - 2:00 p.m.: Archbishop Chaput greets children.

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Parade of marching bands, clowns and jugglers enters ballroom, Archbishop Chaput speaks to the children, Nativity Play takes place and Santa Claus arrives.

The Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children not only provides entertainment and presents for the children, it also raises funds to support programs of Catholic Social Services throughout the year. Catholic Social Services assists more than 137,000 children, adults and families of all faiths throughout the five-county area of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester and Montgomery Counties).

For more information or to donate to the Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children please visit www.archbishopschristmasbenefit.org/

# # #

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747