Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is turning to donors to help pay rent and utilities for families in need this Christmas, instead of its traditional gift-giving program, the nonprofit said this week.

The federal grant program that historically has funded rental or utility assistance — the organization's most requested services — has been on pause for more than a year, said Stephanie Sterling, executive director of Catholic Charities in Baton Rouge.

"We are hoping to fill that gap this Christmas season," Sterling said.

The nonprofit said on Tuesday that the list for families to receive financial assistance is now closed for the 2025 Christmas season, and it hopes donations will support the nearly 200 families on the list.

"If someone hits a rough time or hard place, we'r

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