Confirmation students at St. Agnes in Middleton make signs to promote their clothing drive to benefit Lazarus House. Courtesy photo
Responding to a lesson on the three practices of Lent -- prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, two Grade 9 confirmation students at St. Agnes in Middleton, Geneva Griffin and Michaela Costello, left class that evening discussing how they might be able to sacrifice and help those less fortunate. With the input and encouragement of Geneva's mom, Pam Brown Griffin, a decision was made to plan and hold a clothing drive to benefit Lazarus House, a facility that serves the poor, underserved and homeless in Lawrence.
Within days of emailing their fellow Grade 9 religious education classmates, over 30 people had volunteered to help. By the time the Clothing Drive was held on May 3 there were over 40 volunteers, representing not just confirmation students, but the entire parish community. The Ladies of St. Agnes provided lunch and snacks while the Knights of Columbus provided beverages. Due to their efforts, two truckloads of items were donated to Lazarus House, including 207 large contractor bags of clothing; 28 boxes of household goods; 2 mini-fridges, 3 televisions, 2 computers, 3 bikes, 3 scooters, 3 sewing machines, assorted furniture and toys.