Catholic Worker collects for poor

Mr. Boehrer helped found Emmaus House, the Catholic Worker community in Albany devoted to living the Gospel message of justice, mercy and service. He doesn't know the stranger. What he does know, however, is that the donation will make a difference in the life of a poor family.

For the people Emmaus House serves, the cost of school supplies, such as backpacks and binders, can severely cut into a family's ability to make ends meet.

"Many of these families are one paycheck away from being homeless," Mr. Boehrer said. Gifts "alleviate the parents' decision as to where to spend money in September -- for rent, food, the heating bill or school supplies. We want to lighten the burden of anxiety or worry in anticipation of school starting.

"Emotionally, it is very stressful for people who are poor to live in a society where there is a lot of wealth. It can be embarrassing for a poor parent to send a child to school without the tools they need to thrive in a school environment."

Members of the Catholic Worker movement are devoted to nonviolence, voluntary poverty and the recognition of the God-given dignity of each person. The community hosts those who are homeless and those who wish to volunteer in the community, and assists families in need of food, shelter, medical care, immigration help and permanent housing.

"The early Christians distributed their possessions among one another," Mr. Boehrer said, describing the philosophy behind the drive. "No one was in need. We try to do that here. For [Emmaus House], it's part of the Gospel message of Jesus to radically share what we have with others."

(Donations of school supplies -- pencils, backpacks, notebooks, binders, rulers, glue etc. -- can be dropped off at Emmaus House, 35 N. Main Ave., Albany 12203. Call 482-4966.)

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