Record Staff Report
Students who attend Sacred Heart Schools collected more than 1,900 toys and $3,000 during their 22nd annual Appalachian Gift Drive to benefit children and families in Kermit, W.V. The collection was held Oct. 17 to Nov. 6.
A group of Sacred Heart Academy students, teachers and parents traveled to West Virginia Nov. 6 to deliver the money and gifts to Christian Help of Mingo County — an emergency assistance agency founded by Ursuline Sister Brendan Conlon in 1994.
Each year Christian Help of Mingo County provides Christmas gifts to more than 100 families and 300 children, thanks to the efforts of Sacred Heart Schools, said a press release.
The gift drive is organized by Sacred Heart Academy’s community awareness committee. Senior Anna Brodzik said it’s a “true gift” to be able to share with the families in Kermit.
“I really hope that the students of Sacred Heart will realize that when they are donating a gift they are giving to something that is bigger than themselves,” said Brodzik in the release. “I hope the kids in Kermit can feel the compassion we have for them through the gifts we bring.”
Senior Ellie Phelps said, “Our goal for the gift drive is to raise awareness within our community about the poverty that exists so close to where we live.”
