Donations for Ukrainian relief exceed $22,000
In response to the war raging in Ukraine, NDCL connected our students' hands and hearts in solidarity with the Ukrainian people through prayer and a variety of creative initiatives that raised more than $22,000 for Ukrainian relief efforts.
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| | DOUGH BOYS: Junior Luke Peroni, sophomore Liam Donnelly, and junior Patrick Maley work together to fill a tray of khrustyky. This week NDCL students made thousands of khrustyky—more commonly known as angel wings—to help raise more than $22,000 for Ukrainian relief efforts. |
The impetus for NDCL's Ukrainian relief efforts began with our students, who sought ways to respond to the horrible images of human suffering they see every day in the news. Theology teacher Mr. Joe Alto, Director of Campus Ministry Miss Halle McKeon, and Director of Student Leadership Mr. Ben Lozar '09 worked together on a series of activities to tap into our students' spirit of solidarity and altruism.
Mr. Alto reached out to the local Ukrainian community to order 400 dozen pierogi, which we used as promotional incentives to encourage online donations from parents, alumni, and friends of the school.
Our students celebrated Ukrainian culture, community, and food by making and selling khrustyky, a sweet treat often known as angel wings in this country. Over the course of just two days, our students, staff, and volunteers took a crash course in Ukrainian cooking to make thousands—and thousands—of khrustyky.
NDCL's Ukrainian relief efforts culminated with an all-school Mass on Friday's Feast of the Annunciation, which Pope Francis designated as a special day to consecrate the whole world, especially Ukraine and Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Prior to the Mass, science teacher Mr. Paul Billig, who ministered in Ukraine prior to joining our faculty, joined with senior Kyle Yates to teach taught the congregation a traditional Ukrainian call-and-response verse.
After Mass, students served and enjoyed pierogi and khrustyky at lunch. They also listened to Ukrainian music, viewed several Ukrainian cultural items displayed by Mr. Billig, and took chances on raffles for Ukrainian-themed prizes.
NDCL will donate all proceeds from our relief efforts to the Ukrainian Eparchy (Diocese) of Parma, which will distribute the funds to churches in Ukraine and Poland.
While we are completely sold out of pierogi and khrustyky, we continue to accept donations for Ukrainian relief. Just click the image below to make your online donation.
Juniors Angelina Simerale, Sophia Carroscia, and Alexis Hoinski show off their khrustyky creations.
Junior Alexa Hargas teams up with Sister Margaret Ann Schlather to cut khrustyky dough into thin strips.