In recent weeks, the Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province has been asking Weekly Update readers and friends to consider donating children’s storybooks with an immigration focus. An Amazon link has been provided in The Update for those looking to donate.
We have been so grateful for the number of books that have been arriving. Ongoing thanks to everyone who has donated thus far. The books, which are colorfully illustrated and suitable for children in grades, K through 8th grade, will be given to Cabrini Immigrant Services-New York City and Cabrini Immigration Services-Dobbs Ferry, NY for use with their clients.
Additionally, through the outreach of Cabrini Immigration Commission member Dr. Susan Pierson, the Commission members have made connections with social workers in the Avon Grove School District and the Oxford School District located in southern Chester County in the suburban Philadelphia. Southern Chester County is home to many immigrants who work in the agricultural sector, specifically, in the mushroom industry. Kennett Square, PA, is known as the mushroom capital of the world.
The school districts serve the children of these immigrant workers, many of whom live in multi-family housing, or who move often from one place to another, or who find themselves without a
home from time to time.
Members of the Cabrini Immigration Commission contacted the social workers in each of these districts to ascertain the needs of the immigrant children they serve. Items such as school supplies, backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, socks, sneakers, healthy snacks, toiletries, and gift cards to Walmart, Target, Wawa (a local convenience store), CVS, Walgreens and Giant Food stores were among the items they requested.
On Tuesday, donations of these items, along with the books, were delivered to these school districts and were gratefully received. Holly Oliver, the caseworker at Penn London Elementary School, maintains what she calls a “comfort closet” in the school for immigrant and underprivileged students where they can come to get an extra sweater, if needed; a snack to take home; or a pair of shoes that better fit them. No questions asked.
Yesterday, Holly wrote to thank the Cabrini representatives saying,
“Thank you, again, for the generous donations for Penn London students! It was perfect timing as well, as yesterday afternoon I found out that one of our immigrant students is having to move for the second time this school year. I was able to give them two of the gift cards you provided, toiletries, and some extra snacks to get them through.”