Dear Friends,
Our Annual Shoe Ministry Drive ends next weekend, but unless we receive significantly more donations, we will fall short of our goal of $12,000. Last weekend, we collected $3100. Raising $12,000 would allow us to provide shoes or school uniforms to each student in three Catholic Elementary Schools---Santa Clara, St. Mary of Carmel, and Good Shepherd. Without extra help, their families would find it difficult to send their children to Catholic Schools. These schools provide a quality education in a safe environment allowing kids to reach their full potential in a Christ-Centered learning environment. Below is a quote from the Past Principal of St. Mary of Carmel:
“For me, back to school was always so exciting because it was a chance to start fresh. I loved shopping for new supplies, new clothes, new backpack, and new shoes to start theyear. At St. Mary of Carmel, many of our families don’t have the luxury to buy all new items for their students as they prepare for the new school year. We offer used uniform sales and try to help meet family needs as best we can, but that excitement of something new and fresh often disappears. Wearing used shoes especially can be uncomfortable as they have molded to someone else’s foot. Through the Prince of Peace Shoe Ministry, we are able to provide every student in our school the chance to begin the school year in a pair of shoes bought just for them. It is an incredible gift to provide our students as they can chart the year in their own path, not walking in someone else’s shoes.”
If you have already given, we thank you for your generosity. If you have not, please consider giving to this very worthy ministry. There are 3 ways to donate: 1. Volunteers will be at all Masses this coming weekend to collect your donations. 2. Write a check to POP and put Shoe Ministry in the memo section. 3. Use credit cards accessing Touchpoint and make a one-time donation by scrolling to Shoe Ministry or you may also pay by credit card by using the “dip jar” at the Shoe Ministry Table in the Narthex. One pair of shoes costs $30 and any amount given goes directly to children in these schools.
Gratefully,
Marianna Thiebaud, Claudia Jennings, Evi Martens, and Helene Tuite
