Students raised $1,382.52 as part of ‘Change for Change Challenge’

Students from Immaculate Conception Catholic School have raised $1,382.52 for a community water station as part of a “Change for Change Challenge.”

The school collected money throughout January and February, partnering with Gift of Hope program through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an organization dedicated to helping the world’s most vulnerable communities.

“Part of our mission statement is to practice Christian service as Jesus taught. Every year, we practice the Corporal Works of Mercy as Jesus taught. This project was chosen to ‘give water to the thirsty,'” Principal Sharon Voege said.

A community watering station brings clean drinking water to the center of a community. Watering stations can improve the health of dozens of families by freeing up women and children to walk miles to reach watering holes.

The cost to build a community water station is $1,300. Students were able to surpass that goal thanks to the help of the parish, community, and parents. One student even contributed his essay contest winnings to the cause.

The teachers and students had a friendly competition to see which class could raise the most money. Ms. Paty Arciga’s class came out on top, with the 3rd-8th grade class accounting for almost half of the total funds raised.

“Of course, we couldn’t have done it without the help of Culligan Water, who supplied the jugs to collect money, and Southern Michigan Bank, who patiently waited for us to count the change,” Voege said.