The 52nd annual Christmas for Others charity drive at Padua Franciscan High School in Parma raised a record-setting $41,041 in cash for the needy as well as thousands of donations for families and charities in need.
Throughout the month of December, students, faculty, staff and alumni at Padua Franciscan participated in the program that is designed to make the holidays brighter for the less fortunate. It is the largest student-run fundraiser in Northeast Ohio.
Money and goods raised during the drive was distributed on Dec. 20 to nonprofits, inner city schools, local food pantries, animal shelters and other organizations. This year’s beneficiaries included A Special Wish, Advent for Others/All Faiths Pantry, Birthcare of Medina County, Catholic Worker House, El Salvador Mission Trip (COAR), Journey Center for Safety and Healing, Kid’s Book Bank, Matt Talbot Inn, May Dugan Center, Parma Animal Shelter, Parma Hunger Center, Promise for Haiti, Providence House, St. Francis School (Cleveland), St. Herman’s, SubZero Mission, West Side Catholic Center and the Bishop William Cosgrove Center.
Money was raised in several ways for the drive, including the popular Coin Wars competition. During a 20-minute period, nearly $9,600 was generated for local charities and families in need. Students also collected canned goods for local food pantries. The school’s Italian Club hosted a spaghetti dinner and the Spanish Club sold nachos to aid the drive. The Art Club sold homemade jewelry. There also was a student vs. faculty volleyball game with a $1 admission fee that was donated to the cause. In addition, students organized a blood drive for faculty and students.
The main lobby of the school was filled with large collection bins where people dropped off thousands of toys, books, coats, mittens, hats, socks, blankets and food items for the drive.
“As we celebrate our 52ndyear of Christmas for Others, I am so very proud of our Padua Franciscan community for its continued dedication to giving back to those in need,” said school President Dave Stec. “Through the fun and competitions of CFO, our students learn that their sacrifice and donations make a real difference for those less fortunate. CFO transforms Padua students to be lifelong givers, knowing their generosity, even in small ways, changes our world.”
CFO, the largest student-run outreach program in Northeast Ohio is sponsored, organized and operated by Padua students under the direction of Padua’s Key (Kiwanis) Club. Since CFO began in 1971, more than $500,000 has been raised for charity.
Padua Franciscan High School, located at 6740 State Road, Parma, is a college-preparatory, coeducational school with 750 students. It was founded in 1961by the Franciscans and bases its educational philosophy on the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.