When the call went out for hats and socks to donate to those in need, the St. Mary School family responded with great enthusiasm! Kindergarten student, Maddie Cresho’s grandmother even knitted some herself!
Students, parents, grandparents, and church members came together to celebrate spirit in St. Mary School and help others at the same time. All donations collected were taken the following weekend to the Father Mike Wittman Ozanam Pantry in East Cleveland to be distributed. This food pantry is a part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Cleveland and close to the heart of church member, Bill Jackson.
Bill has been in integral part of the food pantry and will be honored by the school for his service there and throughout the school community this month at the school’s annual Viking Quest dinner and dance fundraiser.
Mr. Jackson took the time to greet new St. Mary student Beacon of Light volunteers and explain to them the services offered at the pantry and how it helps the community. The panty provides not only non-perishable food items, but also clothing and household goods when available. Each consumer is permitted to come and visit once per month and limited to the number of items they are allowed to take individually and for their family.
Last weekend, with the temperatures in the single digits, socks and hats were in great need and were given away quickly. Unfortunately, because of limited supplies, each person was only permitted one pair of socks and only one coat per household, but all was appreciated!
Volunteers help to organize, display, and distribute items to those in need. The Father Mike Whittman Ozanam Pantry is staffed by volunteers from local church parishes who take turns running Saturday distributions. St. Mary Chardon is one of those parishes.
Saturday manager, Rose Speer complimented the St. Mary student Beacon of Light volunteers by saying, “Your willingness to do any task with a smile helped to spread God’s love to those who came to the center to get help.”
The St. Mary School Viking Quest will take place Saturday, February 28th, at 6:00 p.m. at LaMalfa Center in Mentor. For more information visit the school website call the office: 440-286-3590.
