Yearly, the Ladies of Charity distribute school supplies to children ages 5 to 17 by referral from Catholic Charities case workers in several Western New York counties. Families of all faiths are eligible, such as new immigrants or people with low incomes, and victims of house fires and domestic abuse.
To support the project, place donations of school supplies in the specially marked boxes in the St. Stephen R.C. Church narthex through May 27. Monetary donations are also accepted. For more information, contact Barbara and Angelo LaDuca at 716-773-2888. Supplies can also be dropped off at 139 Parkview Drive, Grand Island.
Closing the Gap is a program in the Buffalo Public Schools run by Catholic Charities that identifies students in need. Last year, over 700 children were equipped for the school year. In July and August, book bags are packed and ready for distribution, then as needed during the year.
According to Barbara LaDuca, project coordinator, the Ladies of Charity Book Bag Project is supported by the Mission Club at St. Stephen School, the CCD Program at St. Stephen School; the Advent, Lent Small Faith Group; Read & Feed Book Club; St. Christopher Women's Discussion Program, the DeGlopper Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9249, and many generous Islanders. She expressed her thanks for support from the Island Dispatch, isledegrande.com and the St. Stephen R.C. Church bulletin.
