When the 22 Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Albany were asked to join a national campaign to raise money for Catholic schools impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, they took the task to heart and collected $9,490, almost doubling their initial goal. Every Catholic school in the United States was asked to take part in “Student to Student: A Catholic School Response for Hurricane Relief 2017,” a national fundraiser for those in hurricane-ravaged areas, and local Catholic schools rose to the challenge.
Coordinated locally by the Diocese of Albany Catholic School Office, each student was asked to donate $1, with the goal of raising $5,000. Thanks to 100 percent participation and some creativity on the part of students and staff, schools nearly doubled that goal by holding dress-down days, bake sales, and video game tournaments, and by simply asking students and their families to help fill a bucket so that the hundreds of Catholic schools that are in great need could recover and rebuild.
“Our diocesan school communities are generous and caring,” said Giovanni Virgiglio, Superintendent of Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. “We are so proud of our students. They saw the need, embraced the challenge, and did what they are taught to do: help others in need, especially in times of crisis.”
CONTACTS
Kathleen Yanas
Catholic School Office
518.453.6676
Mary DeTurris Poust
Communications Office
518.453.6618