By Leisa Parsons, Area Media Specialist
St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home, affectionately called St. PJ’s received a large donation this afternoon from Relief Society sisters in the San Antonio North Stake. Sisters were given an opportunity to show their love by bringing much needed items to aid some of the most vulnerable in our society. The donations were in conjunction with their stake’s Women’s Conference held last Saturday. St. PJ’s mission is to help children in crisis.
Selena Brooks, who organized the drive said, “I did it for selfish reasons…. Three of my children are adopted, two were in the foster system and one in an orphanage. I know the issues. Children are the most vulnerable among us, they have no control over their lives.” Brooks did some research and loved what she found at St. PJ’s. Their goal is to be a “safe and loving refuge for children in crisis and to accompany them on their journey to healing and wholeness, breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect one child at a time”.
Donations poured in Saturday morning during the conference. One sister said, “I think our ward got the fun assignment. I loved shopping for educational toys and board books to donate.” Each ward received a different assignment so that a good variety of items would be donated.
Donations ranged from diapers and other baby items to craft supplies. Snacks along with hygiene products for teenagers also made the list. Items like towels and bedding for dorm rooms and clothing also rounded out the list besides the toys and books.
Brooks was thrilled with all of the donations, “Children can have everything taken away during a crisis. It’s wonderful when they can have something they can hold onto for security — something that is theirs,” she said.
St. PJ’s also helps with a families. They have a “Family First“ program to help with education and material assistance to expecting or new parents. They also provide much needed referrals for other assistance such as employment opportunities, healthcare, housing and education. To learn more about Catholic Charities and their work at St. PJ’s visit: http://www.stpjhome.org/
