Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative Steps Up For Needy Children

The Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative presented Sister Linda Bessom of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, with a check for $9,303.69 Sunday for the A Bed for Every Child campaign.

This is the second year in a row that the Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative – comprised of Saint Maria Goretti Parish, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, and Our Lady of the Assumption School -- has focused its Advent charitable giving on raising funds for this worthwhile cause that aims to provide beds for needy children in the area. They also use this opportunity to teach their students and youngest parishioners about the joy and responsibility of stewardship and giving.

“It’s a perfect fit,” says Marie Lagman, the Collaborative’s Director of Media Ministry. “Advent is the season in which we anticipate the birth of the baby Jesus who was born in manger with no bed to call his own. And while most children in our community are hoping Santa brings expensive electronics and clothes with notable labels, there are also children who are just hoping for a good night’s sleep.”

Teachers know that sleep plays a significant role in a student’s ability to learn and in the long term, directly impacts their academic potential. So, while a bed alone cannot solve poverty, giving a child all the tools they need to receive a good education can help them break the cycle and lift them out of poverty as an adult.

Sister Linda was overwhelmed with the generosity of the congregation, explaining that this donation will mean that 37 new twin bed sets will be delivered to 37 needy children, who will finally know the comfort of a refreshing sleep.

This past year, 1,510 children living in poverty received a new bed from A Bed for Every Child. To learn more, visit www.abedforeverychild.org.

Photo by Marie Lagman. Donna Delahanty (Director of Parish Ministries), David Kolenda (OLA School student), Sister Linda Bessom (Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless), and Father Tony Luongo (Parochial Vicar)