by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Although some of the work at job sites needed to be postponed due to snow, St. Francis Xavier School students still participated in a “Saints in Service” day Oct. 28, reaching their fundraising goal of $22,000.
School Principal Kathy Kockler said students did even better than meeting their goal. They raised more than $29,000.
She said in all respects the event was a success with students meeting their goal, continuing to build “Franny” friends and by modeling service to others for all of the students. Franny friends are people who support the school in various ways, including alumnae, parents, parishioners and more.
“Students look forward to helping others in the community who need assistance,” Kockler said. “It’s a great way to meet our neighbors and a gift to serve alongside of others.”
Completion of the work projects was scheduled to be finished Nov. 3. Things volunteers helped with included raking yards, cleaning windows, cleaning out flower beds, moving outdoor items inside, hauling away yard waste and more for senior residents and others in the area. They also visited with site residents.
Kockler said the only requirement for those who receive help from the “saints” is they be in need of some help. They can be elderly, disabled, recovering or simply in need of some extra hands.
All of the worksites are completed with the idea of unselfish service. Donations are made by families reaching out to neighbors, families, a mail-a-thon, the parish and others.
Volunteer workers included 89 families with a total of 139 adults and 183 children who worked at 24 sites.
“It’s our time to come together to service our community who is there for us regularly,” Kockler said. “The smiles from our families and those we are helping out are priceless.”
Many incentives helped encourage students to work toward their goal. Patrick Michaud from the local Horace Mann agency donated two bicycles. Other incentives included games, student toys, class pizza parties, build-the-principal’s Halloween costume, an all-school bowling party, lunch with the principal and more.
The “Saints in Service” is one of St. Francis’s service projects with a fundraising goal to raise money for the school. Other fundraisers include A Catholic United Raffle, St. Francis Rocks and Spring for Students.
The fundraisers help keep the cost of tuition lower, fund special student projects/events and scholarships. Funds from the “Saints in Service” go toward technology/library/student services.
Other Catholic schools in the area who also participated in a day of service included All Saints Academy- St. Cloud and -St. Joseph campuses, St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton and St. Katharine Drexel in St. Cloud.
St. Francis Xavier currently has about 286 students enrolled at the school. To donate to the event, contact the school at 320-252-9940.
Students at St. Francis Xavier School participated in a “Saints in Service” day Oct. 28, reaching their fundraising goal of $22,000 by raising $29,000. Some of this year’s “Saints in Service” volunteers included (front, left to right) Kolby Braegelmann, Jacob Murphy and Calvin Braegelmann; and (back) Matthew Murphy, Nancy Van Erp, Kate Van Erp, Tyler Braegelmann, Joanne Fleck, Riley Braegelmann, Maya Van Erp, Faith Van Erp and Luke Van Erp.
Volunteers at the St. Francis Xavier School’s “Saint’s in Service” day included (front, left to right) Billy Ryan, Zoie Ryan, Gabby Schulte, Nathan Schuver, Andrew Schuver and Grace Schulte; and (back) April Ryan, Dan Ryan holding Casey Ryan, Jana Schuver, Chris Schuver, Joe Schulte, Gavin Schulte and Tracy Schulte.
