Each Lent, Catholic Charities, DOSP hosts this drive to collect supplies to make Easter baskets for children living at the San Jose Mission, a residential community in our diocese providing housing for low-income migrant families working in agriculture. Spirit FM 90.5, the radio ministry of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, partners with Catholic Charities by both promoting the drive and collecting donations at the various stops on its annual Fish Fry World Tour. The donated items children receive range from candy and toys to more practical items such as toiletries based on their age and gender.

At this year’s distribution, a long line formed as children received their Easter baskets. In addition to their baskets, snacks, drinks, books, and toys were also provided for children to take. Easter egg hunts, music played by Spirit FM, and opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny created a festive atmosphere. The radio station also distributed station swag, including wristbands, temporary tattoos, and pencils to children and parents attending the event.  

“This means so much to the community because it brings happiness to the kids,” shared Socorro Prisco, Housing Manager of San Jose Mission. “For us as Catholic Charities employees, putting a smile on families’ faces is the most rewarding thing there is.”

Donating to the Easter Baskets of p-LENT-y Drive is more than an act of kindness, it’s an act of mercy. Each donation can be counted towards the 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge – an initiative within our diocese that aims to spread hope through works of mercy during this jubilee year. Anyone can participate in the challenge by logging their acts of mercy at www.dosp.org/jubilee2025/mercychallenge/challengeform. By logging your acts of mercy, you can participate in making a tangible and lasting impact in the community by helping to care for the spiritual and physical needs of others. Since the challenge launched, nearly 200,000 acts of mercy have been logged within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, and this number continues to grow at a steady pace each day.  

You are needed to help the number of works of mercy in the diocese grow throughout the year! For resources and more information, visit www.dosp.org/jubilee2025/mercychallenge.

Click here to view John Morris's video from the event.

Click here to view a recap video from the event.

To learn about upcoming events and initiatives held by Catholic Charities, visit www.ccdosp.org. To learn more about Spirit FM and its upcoming events, visit www.myspiritfm.com or follow its Facebook and Instagram pages @myspiritfm.