Funds for mission trip raised by series of projects

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Special to The Vindicator

MISSION POSSIBLE: Members of St. Nicholas Parish Youth Group washed cars from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Auto Zone on Youngstown-Poland Road to raise funds for a mission trip to help with the Hurricane Katrina 2009 Reconstruction Season in New Orleans.

STRUTHERS — St. Nicholas Parish Youth Group, their parents and other adults have been conducting a series of projects to raise approximately $8,000 for a mission trip to New Orleans to help with the Hurricane Katrina 2009 Reconstruction Season.

The common objective of the Youth Group, along with the Diocese of Youngstown, Catholic Charities and Habitat for Humanity, is to restore a single mother with two teenage daughters to home ownership after three years in public housing.

The Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross have arranged the financial aspects of the property, permits, materials, electricity, plumbing and HVAC, and affordable financing for the homeowner. However the Youth Group and adult volunteers from St. Nicholas Parish are responsible for personal expenses incurred during the July 12 to July 18 mission trip.

Among the fundraising events recently conducted by the volunteers and their supporters was a car wash and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 at the Auto Zone on Youngstown-Poland Road.

The group sold 7-day candles for $10 from June 17 to 21 at the St. Nicholas Festival. The group also sold raffle tickets for an HP Laptop Computer and a handmade afghan, and sold 50-50 raffle tickets at bingo games.

In a continuation of their fundraising activities, the Youth Group will be selling the candles at the church, where they will gratefully accept cash contributions after all Masses. They are also continuing the collection of aluminum cans at the garage at the parish center.