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Lisa Kotz’s first grade class at St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson helped raise $1,000 to support those affected by the recent tornadoes in Kansas. (Contributed photo) |
JEFFERSON — First graders at St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson recently helped to raise funds to help the victims of the devastating spring tornadoes in Oklahoma.
The 20 students in Lisa Kotz’s class were very concerned with the people who were injured, lost their homes, or had to deal with the tragic deaths of family and friends.
Adding to their daily prayers, the first graders decided that they had a responsibility to be the “hands and feet of Christ” in reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.
As a result, they worked with Mrs. Kotz to organize a fundraising event to collect money that would be sent to help recovery efforts in the Oklahoma City area.
Over a period of three weeks, the students collected $464, most of which came from the students at St. John the Baptist School.
Everyone was asked to do a job or chore at home, asking their parents for $1 once the job was completed. Students then brought the money to school for the Oklahoma Project. Added to student donations were contributions from the school staff, with additional funds having come from many school families and parishioners.
An anonymous donor contributed $36 so that the first grade collection would be brought to an even $500.
Catholic Financial Life matched that total amount, which resulted in a $1,000 check sent to the Catholic Charities office in Oklahoma City. St. John the Baptist Council of Catholic Women helped the students make contact with Catholic Charities.
Finally, the first graders had asked everyone at school to offer the Memorare Prayer every day for all those affected by the tornadoes. This traditional Catholic prayer to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is a special offering during the month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Mother.