CHURCH SCHOOL RAISES MONEY
TO BUILD A HOUSE
Through the generous actions of the St. Timothy's Church School
(Richland), a homeless family will soon have a house. The young people raised $2,600, which in the Caribbean and Latin America, is enough to build a home. The home will be built by the relief agency, Food
for the Poor, for a family in the Dominican Republic.
The children presented a check on Sunday, June 7, to Rev. John Moulton, a representative for the
Christian relief agency. Fr. Moulton told the children that, “Miracles do happen. Thank you for making one happen today.”
He explained how Food for the Poor helps children and the poorest of the poor by providing basic needs and by teaching them
to become self-sufficient.
Two years ago a group of St. Timothy's children aged 3-8 discussed using their offertory for a special project.
Children considered several ideas, but when they saw pictures of people having to live with nothing but scraps around them
for a home, they decided on the "Build a House" project. Children donated money from their allowances, and from what they
earned from special jobs around the house. On several occasions children would donate their whole week's allowance or money
they had received for their birthday, saying, “Those people need a house more than I need this money.”
The middle school children at St. Timothy's contributed to the project by making and selling seasonal items,
donating the profits to the "house fund". Fr. Knute Jacobson, pastor of St. Timothy’s, invited the adults to take part
as well. During Lent, parishioners were asked to collect change in mite boxes made by the children.
Judy Schau, Christian Formation Director, expressed her initial concern for the project. “I was worried
that it would take us a very long time to reach our goal, but the enthusiasm and dedication of the children inspired the whole
congregation.”
Elizabeth, a third grade student, said, “Building the house made me feel like I could really make a difference”.
"I'm
very proud of our church school children,” expressed Fr. Jacobson. “They wanted to help a needy family, and believed
they could do it. They gave generously from their allowances and earnings. They set a wonderful example of Christ's loving
concern for the welfare of others. They are a blessing!"
