During the season of Lent, St. Benedict School students collected items and bags for children going into foster care or children of families who have to leave their homes because of domestic violence. Each bag contained a blanket, stuffed animal, toothpaste and brush, other personal care items, coloring book or writing pad, and crayons, markers, pencils and pens. St Benedict Parish members and Girl Scout Troop #232 from nearby school, North Winn, also contributed items for the bags. A total of 55 bags were given to Helping Services of Northeast Iowa and other area agencies.
Mindy Myers of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center shared, “We are grateful for the generosity of these students and their families. Victims and children fleeing a violent home often have to leave almost everything behind. These bags offer personal care items but also the comfort of a blanket or stuffed animal. Coloring, writing, and drawing can be a good method of coping with a scary and difficult situation.”
Pictured are the Student Council members from St. Benedict School in Decorah and Mindy Myers, Director of Individual and Family Services with Helping Services for Northeast Iowa.
Here are a few ideas that you and your group can do to help and show survivors of violence that people care.
