Undy Sunday

Annual event assists even more needy students

 

Collier County--Organizers of the 15th Annual Undy Sunday event are preparing for more students than ever to be assisted with items to be ready for another school year. Needy children at 34 public elementary schools will benefit from the fundraiser.

 

Participating religious communities will set out donation boxes on Sunday, August 14 and Sunday, August 21. Donors will be asked to bring new socks and new underwear for boys and girls sizes six through 12. Monetary donations also are needed to purchase backpacks and school supplies. A total of 45 churches and synagogues will take part in the event.

 

It is undeniable that the economic problems that have affected us here in Southwest Florida are particularly acute among the children of the underemployed and unemployed,” said Armando Galella, District Director of Catholic Charities of Collier County. The agency is organizing the event.

 

Youth Haven and the Shelter for Abused Women and Children also will receive the underwear and socks and school supplies to distribute to children during the school year.

 

“The overwhelming success of this ecumenical effort is testimony to the work of the event’s founder and chief volunteer, John Fitzgerald,” said Galella. “Through his dedication, more and more churches and synagogues are drawn to this simple call for assistance.”

 

Since the initial Undy Sunday in 1997, the number of churches and synagogues joining the cause has more than doubled. About 650,000 undergarments have been given to disadvantaged children in Collier County during the past 14 years.

 

A group of volunteers from Catholic Charities of Collier County will distribute collection boxes to participating local churches and synagogues prior to the two Undy Sundays. After the event, with help from students of St. John Neumann High School, they will collect the donated items, and sort and distribute them to the elementary schools and social service agencies.

 

Donation items also can be dropped off at the Catholic Charities office located at 2210 Santa Barbara from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Fridays. For more information about the Undy Sunday Program contact Catholic Charities of Collier County at (239) 455-2655.