Mercy Community Sending Love to Children of Ukraine- In a Shoebox

The Mercy community responded immediately and enthusiastically, on Friday, March 4, to long-time friend and supporter, Katie McCarthy Lombardo, and her request to join a grassroots effort to help the children of Ukraine.

“I was looking through social media posts about Ukraine and happened to come across the profile of Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO of Realty ONE Group. His request to donate shoe boxes full of toys, inspired by his own children’s desire to help, really resonated with me. I called Mercy High School in Middletown, CT — I know the power of the Mercy community,” said Lombardo.

Mercy families, students, faculty, alumnae, and administrators sprang into action, bringing in shoe boxes and new or gently used toys to fit inside the shoe boxes. From March 7 – March 9, Mercy students are working during their Theology classes to assemble boxes for children of all ages, labeling boxes for girls, boys, and babies—wrapped in paper, tied with a bow, and adorned with messages of hope for the children of Ukraine.

“Students, faculty, and staff quickly and wholeheartedly embraced this project, because when a need is identified, they jump into action! Supporting Ukrainian children with encouragement, prayers, and smiles encapsulates Mercy’s mission of making the world a better place,” explained Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, Middletown, CT.

The energy from this project is palpable, walking into the Theology classrooms as Mercy students put together over 500 boxes in just a few days.

“It feels like we can actually do something to help the children of Ukraine who can’t take anything with them—like we’re giving them a little bit of comfort in a time of need,” said one student.

Another added, “These boxes are something that they can carry with them—something that’s all their own.”

Mercy Theology teacher, Jean Pepitone said, “It’s invaluable to have this effort be part of our Theology class where students can apply what they’re learning to a real-life scenario—solidarity is an important lesson for us all.”

This project exemplifies working together—in solidarity—made possible by the quick thinking and actions taken by Lombardo to connect Mercy High School with Kuba Jewgieniew’s grassroots effort. Jewgieniew is generously sponsoring the shipping to Poland, where his family members are helping distribute the boxes directly to Ukrainian refugee children.

Jewgieniew has opened donation centers at Realty ONE Group locations throughout the country, including Monroe and Norwalk, CT; owned by Chris Bacoulis. Lombardo is working with Bacoulis to coordinate the delivery and drop-off of Mercy’s donations, bringing them in shifts to the Monroe and Norwalk offices, by Friday, March 11.

Mercy students are putting the final touches on the shoe boxes, and stacks of boxes line the entire Theology hallway at Mercy, as they await their pick-up for the next leg of their journey. What began as a simple idea and heartfelt desire to help was acted upon swiftly by Mercy High School, in the spirit of helping others, especially children in need: an important reminder of solidarity, hope, and humanity.

Mercy High School provides a challenging college preparatory academic experience with a strong foundation of Catholic teachings, and traditions and values of the Sisters of Mercy, in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes service, confidence, ethical leadership and respect, encouraging each student to flourish individually while rooted in community. Mercy is attended by almost 400 students from nearly 50 towns across the state. Learn more at www.mercyhigh.com

Realty ONE Group is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the United States. They provide unparalleled customer service and real estate advice. Chris Bacoulis is the owner of the local Realty ONE Group offices in Norwalk and Monroe that are collecting donations. The Monroe office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Norwalk office is open until 8 p.m. each day for collecting donations.