CSAC & School Events Calendar

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Calendar Updates

Our online CSAC & School events calendar has been updated. It's routinely updated for you, so check-in often!

Thank You for Your support of the Catholic Children's Aid Society

To The Families of St. Agnes,

I would like to thank all of you who helped achieve our school's goal of providing our adopted families with a joyous and memorable Christmas.  Both families were extremely well provided for despite any financial challenges our own community may be facing during this uncertain time in our economy.

I am happy to report that both families had their immediate needs met in the way of winter attire, as well as some items on their wish list. The Variale family generously donated a gently used washing machine which allowed the $100 raised in Home Depot gift cards to go towards the purchase of a dryer for the Primary Family.  The Di Gasbarro family also donated a gently used Television which was not on the family’s wish list, however, the Catholic Children's Aid Society informed us that it would be of good use to this family.  Mr. & Mrs. Merenda and some members of their extended family took good care of the family for Grades 5 – 8, supplying them with winter coats and boots.  In addition to the many toys, games, clothes, bath products etc. that were donated by the whole community, we also raised over $700 in gift cards for food stores that were split between the families.

Once again, the St. Agnes community came together in the spirit of charity and giving to those less fortunate.  Thank you to each and every one of you.

Best regards,

Anne-Marie O’Donnell
CSAC Secretary

Monday, December 12, 2011

Update: St. Agnes & CSAC Support for the Catholic Children's Aid Society

Your CSAC is proud to continue its support of our school's adoption of two families this Christmas, through the Catholic Children's Aid Society.

To update everyone on the status of this charitable activity, on December 12, the school emailed three letters (the cover letter is reproduced below), to the parent community. Your CSAC wishes to support the school by also circulating that cover letter. If you have not received your email from the school, please contact the school office as soon as possible.

To The Families of St. Agnes,

I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the status of this year’s Adopt-A-Family initiative with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society (CCAS). Thank you to those who have already sent in items for our designated families; they will go a long way to bringing joy to these very needy children and caregivers this Christmastime. 

I have outlined below the articles that have been received to date.  As you will see, we are still a long way from meeting the needs of our families as outlined by CCAS.  Understandably, we are in a more difficult economic climate than last year and we may have to cut back on charitable contributions.  I do urge you, however, to still do what you can no matter how small. In times like these as donations decrease, the needs of charitable organizations and the clients they serve only increase.  

We are in the final stretch of this drive and are due to transport our gifts to the CCAS office on Friday, December 16th.  Please take some time to review the gifts received list below, as well as the original wish list and needs list of each family (attached). 

Adopted Family for K – grade 4
Gifts for Family received:  As of Dec. 9

Adult gifts and food:

$60 Home Depot Gift Cards
$40 Cash
Chocolates
Gently-used washing machine
Gently-used television set and stand

Children’s gifts and candy

Kre-O Bumble Bee Transformer
Craft Kit Tool Box (markers, glue, paper, crayons, scissors etc)
Miniature action figures
2 Medium boys shirts
1 small boys long sleeve shirt
1 winter hat
Candy canes

Adopted Family for Grade 5 – Grade 8
Gifts for Family received:  As of Dec. 9

All gift items are still required.

There is a box in the office for donations, and Mrs. Ammendolia is accepting the cash and gift cards directly. Please, give what you can and do not hesitate to contact the school or myself directly with any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

Anne-Marie O’Donnell
CSAC Secretary

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Save the Date (Feb 1, 2012): Social Networking Safety Presentation

Please mark February 1 on your calendar for a student and parent presentation on Social Networking Safety. More information shall follow.

Calendar Updates

Our online CSAC & School events calendar has been updated. It's routinely updated for you, so check-in often!

St. Agnes & CSAC Support for the Catholic Children's Aid Society

Your CSAC is very proud to support our school's adoption of two families, through the Catholic Children's Aid Society.

The school emailed three letters to the parent community this past week (if you didn't receive yours, please contact the school soon), explaining how your family can contribute to this charitable activity. The following covering letter, summarizing this activity, was provided in that email (please check your email from the school for complete information):

To The Families of St. Agnes:

In conjunction with the beginning of advent and the charitable activities at the school, St. Agnes Catholic School has once again adopted a needy family for Christmas through the Catholic Children's Aid Society. 

This was an enormously successful drive last year, and one young family had a very memorable Christmas due to the overwhelming generosity and spirit of our community.  Based on your positive feedback and suggestions, we have elected to adopt two families this year.  Kindergarten through grade 4 will be responsible for one family, while grades 5 through 8 will be responsible for another.

Details on the history of each family is provided, including a wish list (items that the individuals desire but do not expect) and a needs list (items that are necessary but the family currently lacks).  As items are donated, a list will be circulated periodically indicating what has come in and what still needs to be provided.  Please feel free to round out the gifts with things such as chocolate or candy for the children, specialty foods or bath products for the parents etc...  Whatever you can offer will be greatly appreciated!

The aim is to provide these families with a Christmas with dignity. The Catholic Children's Aid Society asks for new and unwrapped donations as well as donations of food store gift cards that can be used by the family to purchase their Christmas dinner. This way we can ensure that the families have a warm, nutritious meal to share with their family on Christmas Day.

Please note that in addition to new items, second- hand clothes and toys may also be donated provided they are in very good condition. The school will be accepting donations beginning today and running through to the Christmas Concert on December 15th. We would ask for any assistance in packing up and delivering these items to the Catholic Children’s Aid location on Drewry on December 16th.

Again, please refer to your email from the school for complete information on this charitable activity, including how you can help pack and deliver the school's donations on December 16th.

Thank you.