Children and teenagers from more than 20 Catholic schools and churches in the Diocese of Gary put their faith in action recently, raising more than $22,000 to benefit a variety of charities assisting flood victims in Northwest Indiana. More than $10,000 of the money will be distributed to flood victims through the Diocese of Gary Catholic Charities office.
Shortly after the September, 2008 flooding that destroyed homes and caused millions of dollars in damage in towns including Munster, Hobart and Lake Station, Catholic Charities established a process for flood victims to apply for financial assistance. Bishop Dale Melczek called for all churches in the four-county diocese (Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke) to collect funds for the effort. The collection netted more than $65,000, according to Rita Mayer, development director of Catholic Charities.
Leaders of the dioceses Catholic schools, religious education, and youth ministry offices wondered if there was a way to allow young people to lend a helping hand as well. We Will, Too, a collaborative effort of the three offices, encouraged children and teenagers in Catholic school and church programs to hold at least one fundraiser dedicated solely to flood victims.
We believe that the young people are a big part of the church, and this was a way to show everyone that they care, too, said Kevin Driscoll, director of the Office for Youth & Young Adults. They didnt disappoint.
The fundraising efforts ranged from simple to complex, with many of the efforts being led by youth as well.
Youth from Our Lady of Sorrows Church in South Haven baked and sold pumpkin pies in October. Young people at St. Edward Church in Lowell worked alongside their elders at a Knights of Columbus fish fry. Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Winfield Township held a walk-a-thon. Youth at St. John Bosco Church in Hammond served an Italian dinner. The Student Council and other clubs at Andrean High School gave up funds from their budgets to benefit victims. Many Catholic schools allowed teens to exchange wearing school uniforms for a donation to the campaign.
Too often we underestimate the generosity and energy of our youth, said Frank Zolvinski, director of the Office of Religious Education/Faith Formation. We Will Too is another example of youth making a difference in the lives of those in need.
In addition to the cash generated, a number of schools and youth programs also contributed food and supplies to various organizations. In one of the more unique efforts, young people from St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, a predominantly Croatian community in Gary, went trick-or-treating for toiletries and cash donations.
Catholic Charities continues to assist flood victims in the area. To make a donation, or for more information, call (219) 663-8417.
- For The Times
