The Erie Playhouse is excited to brighten the holidays for families supported by Community Shelter Services + NEW THIS YEAR: you have the option to give online from anywhere!
Our Angel Tree located in the Playhouse lobby is named Thomas in memory of Msgr. Thomas McSweeney who earned his wings this year. We will display tags for everyone who donates a gift card or monetary donation. Our wish is to give a gift card to every CSS resident this Christmas season.
Gift cards or monetary donations can be dropped off at the Playhouse Box Office Tuesday–Friday, 10am–6pm; Saturday, 10am–2pm; or before showtimes. You can visit Thomas the Angel Tree during December performances of FROZEN: gift cards and donations will be accepted December 1 – 22. NEW THIS YEAR: you can also make your donation online here! Your name will then be added to the Angel Tree on display in the Playhouse lobby.
We are accepting these most-requested gift cards in any amount for:
- McDonalds
- Arbys
- KFC
- Sheetz
- Panera
- Country Fair
- Flagship Food Hall
- Walmart
- Target
- Amazon
New this year: give online!
If you would like to make a monetary donation for us to purchase the gift cards for you, please visit communityshelter.org/donate, select Donate – then Angel Tree Donation from the PayPal dropdown menu.
Learn more about Community Shelter Services, our Angel Tree Partner.
For more than 50 years, Community Shelter Services has been rebuilding lives by providing a pathway to housing and offering help and hope for men, woman, children, and families experiencing homelessness and poverty. By being open 24/7, 365 days a year, Community Shelter Services helps individuals meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. On-site social workers address behavioral health, housing, and employment needs as they guide their clients to achieve renewed lives of dignity and self-determination. The agency’s most recent initiative is adding to the Kiwanis Family Village.
In the course of 12 months, Community Shelter Services has
- Provided 91,250 safe nights of sleep
- Served 90,002 meals
- Housed 90 families
- Sheltered 215 children
- Established the Kiwanis Family Village of Tiny Homes – nine on site now – two sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Erie, and one by Erie Insurance, Housing Authority of the City of Erie, Renewal by Andersen, Mayor & Mrs. Joe Schember, and anonymous donors.
- Opened the Kiwanis Caring Kitchen in July 2024 that serves 3 meals a day, 7 days a week and is open to the whole neighborhood
- Breakfast: Serve 15-20 people
- Lunch: Serve 20-30 people
- Dinner: Serve 40-60 people
- Accepting grab & go donations for the KCK: to-go containers, paper products, individual bags of chips, uncrustables, Lunchables, water and juice
