Catholic schools receive $94,000 worth of school supplies

Published: 2004-12-08

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A group of Catholic schools in the District of Columbia have benefited from the efforts of several business leaders and a U.S. congressman who has challenged businesses to reach out to schools in need. In mid-November 230 students at St. Francis Xavier School in Southeast Washington stood outside their school to greet a truck delivering $94,000 worth of school supplies to be distributed to 13 Catholic elementary schools that are part of the Washington Archdiocese's Center City Consortium. "This is building bridges," said Father C. Gregory Butta, the pastor, smiling gratefully at the group arranged on the steps of the parish school. "It's a great event." The donation of supplies, which included laptop computers, "means a great deal to consortium schools," said Patricia Weitzel-O'Neill, archdiocesan superintendent of schools. The gifts also represent "a generosity and willingness to give," she said. "It's about corporate America reaching out to make a difference in the lives of the children." At least 50 percent of the families with children enrolled in consortium schools are at or below poverty level, 70 percent are single-parent households, and more than 70 percent are non-Catholic. The truck delivery came about through the efforts of Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and support from Yellow Roadway Corp. and several business leaders.

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