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Pre-schoolers collect ‘Pennies for Peace’
St. Christine students make donation to local Dorothy Day House
By Justin Wier
YOUNGSTOWN
Three- and 4-year-olds attending St. Christine Preschool presented a donation to the local Dorothy Day House on Monday.
Mary Ann Durkin, director of the early-childhood learning center, said the students collected change during the past year as part of the school’s “Pennies for Peace” program.
They’ve collected and donated change for several years, Durkin said. In past years, they’ve donated to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, but this year they decided to help the Dorothy Day House in its mission to help the hungry and homeless.
Colleen Boyle, director of faith and formation at St. Christine Church, accepted the donation on behalf of Dorothy Day House. She talked to students about Super Bowl parties in order to help them understand how their donations will benefit the needy.
“Maybe there were some people that didn’t have somewhere to go with their families yesterday to have a nice little party,” Boyle told the students.
She said they had a “souper bowl” at the church the day before. People stood outside with large soup pots to collect money from parishioners. They raised $2,600, which also will go to Dorothy Day House.
The students’ donations are not as substantial. But, Boyle said it costs $200 to $300 to provide a meal for 100-120 people on an average day, and their contribution will ensure the patrons have a nice dessert or salad to go with their entree.
Durkin said it’s important to instill charitable practices in children at a young age.
“I think it’s a ‘me’ world,” Durkin said. “According to scripture, we believe in helping others in any way that we can.”
The school contributes in other ways throughout the year, by collecting gloves or canned goods at various times, Durkin said. She’s even told parents to refrain from purchasing gifts for the teachers at Christmas.
“Instead of bringing us a gift, donate to charity or Pennies for Peace,” Durkin said.
Dorothy Day House offers dinners to the hungry and homeless Mondays through Thursdays. Volunteers from St. Christine provide one meal per month, Boyle said, which these funds will help support.