IN Shaler Spring 2017 | Page 10

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SAINT SEBASTIAN SCHOOL COLLECTS BIBLES FOR INMATES
More than 350 new Bibles will be distributed to inmates at the Allegheny County Jail , thanks to students at Saint Sebastian School in Ross Township .
The idea for the service project originated with Peyton Rihn , an eighth grader who serves as Student Council service director , a position she shares with seventh grader Rachel Sweeney . The students learned that the jail is in constant need of Bibles after a call was made to Reverend Kimberly Greway , Director of Chaplaincy Services at the Allegheny County Jail . The jail currently houses more than 2,000 men and women .
The student council worked with teacher advisor Celeste Dickson to finalize the details of the project . As students are generally required to wear uniforms , the council sponsored a dress-down day as a way to raise money for the project .
“ We anticipated having more than one fundraiser and probably doing something more elaborate to raise this money ; however , once students and families heard what the money was going toward , they donated such a large amount that we only needed one quick fundraiser ,” says Dickson . “ The response to this cause was overwhelming , and many families have not just donated money , but also have donated additional Bibles .”
The school raised enough money to donate 360 new Bibles , approximately one per student at the school . Each will include a prayer card , and each child will sign his or her first name on the card . The Bibles will be distributed to the inmates through the jail ’ s chaplaincy office .
“ Both the kids on Student Council and the other students at Saint Sebastian have such big hearts and always want to help in charitable causes ,” says Dickson . “ They always come through for us when we have fundraisers for different causes , or help others in the community .”
HOPE HOSPICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit hospice patients , either in patient homes or in a facility . To simply listen or reminisce with someone who is dealing with a life‐threatening illness can make a big difference ! A one-hour training program is provided , with an emphasis on compassionate care toward patients and their families , and the time commitment is flexible . If you are interested in joining Hope Hospice ’ s volunteer program , please call 412.367.3685 for more details . ■

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