January 20, 2010
Dear Families,
Since arriving at Immaculate Conception I have experienced the talent and generosity of the people; families, parishioners, staff and faculty, and even the children. One fundraiser after another has been met with both the donation of time and money to help our own community and those in need outside our community. Yet again we will ask for you to offer whatever you can.
There is no need for me to describe the difficulties the people of Haiti are facing and will continue to deal with for a long time. You have witnessed this in the media and maybe through some personal contact in the past week. At school we have been praying for some families and friends who have ties to some of our students. These families have received some sad news; the deaths of several friends, along with some good news; the Grandmother of one of our students has arrived safely in New York and another family has taken in three teenage cousins whose parents will be arriving as soon as flights and funds become available to them. Many others, including the Grandfather of one of our students, remain in Haiti as they decide the best actions to be taken to insure their safety and well-being.
What can we do? Monetary donations are of primary importance. It is best to send monetary donations through a reputable charity. Traditionally our schools channel monies through Catholic Relief Services. We know that many of you may have already contributed to the special collections in the Catholic Parishes this past Sunday or may have sent donations through other groups.
If you wish to make a donation, please send this to school in a clearly marked envelope, “Donation for Haiti”. We will send this money to Catholic Relief Services as a donation from Immaculate Conception School.
We also have the opportunity to help our families in the community. Their arriving family members are in need of clothing; most importantly winter clothing such as gloves, coats/jackets, turtleneck sweaters, sweat pants or sweat shirts, scarves, boots, pajamas, socks, etc. for these three teenage girls. Small and medium petite are the sizes needed.
Donated items need not be brand new, gently used items can also be given.
Another very practical way to assist would be the donation of a modest gift card to one of the local supermarkets. Possibly classes could pool their resources to purchase these.
We will also join in a summer clothing collection being spearheaded by a school family that has friends and family members in Haiti. They have the ability to ship these items to Haiti in a few weeks when the ports are open. We can be assured these items will reach those in need. Clothing for this collection would encompass all summer items of any size for adults and most especially for children. All gently used items must be washed before sent in for donation. Suggested items: shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses and skirts, pants, summer jackets, pajamas, socks, sneakers, sandals, shoes, hats, (even gently used children’s underwear is needed). I am sure an early spring cleaning will unearth many items for this collection. Items that still have much more wear to them but your child may have outgrown will be most welcomed by a child who has lost so much in this terrible tragedy.
Please let your own situation guide you in what you can offer to these most worthy causes. Remember even the “pennies” add up and are most welcomed and appreciated. Thank you in advance for your kind hearts and most generous spirit.
Sincerely,
Maureen J. Harten Principal
