From field trips to Bibles, donors can give students specific items they need

At All Saints Catholic Academy in Albany, donors can support students in very specific ways: Aside from paying for a needy student's tuition, the school's Adopt-a-Student program allows donations to fund particular items, from a student's Bible or field trip attendance to a gym uniform or even a music lesson.

"This really lets the donors feel like they made an impact on a specific student," said Traci Johnson, principal.

Ms. Johnson recalled a board meeting during which a similar program underway at another Catholic school in the area was discussed. The principal brainstormed what the biggest needs were for her own students.

Now in its second year, the program provides a list of items ranging in cost from $10 to $55, so that almost anyone can afford to give. Donors can provide a shirt for students to wear on school Spirit Days ($10), a "back to school bundle" that includes the shirt, a school folder and other items ($17), a music lesson ($53), a school uniform ($55) and more.

Rhonda McKeon, the school's secretary, noted that the most popular donations are school supplies ($20) and field trip attendance ($10).

For families who have three or four children at ASCA, field trips can get expensive, she noted. Donations can help offset the burden for larger families.

Donation cards can be found at the school or at All Saints parish; donations can be mailed, dropped off or placed in the collection basket at Masses. When a donation is received, Ms. Johnson keeps an eye out for families who are financially struggling.

"She knows the community," said Ms. McKeon. Parents are also able to request a donation.

When a child receives a donated item, "they'll write a little letter of appreciation," Ms. Johnson told The Evangelist. The student knows that the item "came from a benefactor, but they don't know who it is. It's confidential."

The program runs year-round, though there tend to be more donations at the beginning of the school year, when needs are more apparent. The campaign runs in conjunction with the school's annual appeal, which is meant for larger, school-wide projects like technology upgrades and structural changes.

Giving to the Adopt-a-Student program, "for me, [is] a matter of giving back," said Kristine Burns, faith formation director at All Saints parish. Ms. Burns' children attended ASCA; she wants to help other "students get what they need to succeed."

She has enjoyed giving specific items because "you could see where your dollar was going. You could pick a Bible or a gym uniform, because not everyone was able to afford those things."

Ms. McKeon noted that school officials never know when a donation will arrive: "There was a group from Canada passing through [the parish], and they sent us a donation."

"People feel good when they know exactly where their donation is going," Ms. Johnson added. "It's a great way to help students."[[In-content Ad]]