Eric's Promise. . . to be more giving
Eric Henry heard the cry of the poor and promised to be more giving. We invite you to help fulfill Eric's promise through generous donations to St. Vincent De Paul during the Lenten season.
The Promise. . .
On Ash Wednesday in 2002, Marian High School Senior Eric Henry made a promise to "try to be more giving." So that evening, he put together several bags to donate to the Saint Vincent De Paul Society. Before he had the opportunity to deliver his gifts, however, Eric died in an automobile accident.
Thanks to many of his friends and classmates, however, Eric's Promise lives on. Every year during Lent, school groups, businesses and other organizations seek to be more giving by donating food, clothing, usable items and cash to Saint Vincent De Paul to assist in the charity's fundamental mission of serving the poor in our community.
The Opportunity. . .
There are a variety of ways in which you can help carry out Eric's Promise. Perhaps your school or place of work can collect donations or may be interested in hosting a Stuff-A-Truck event. To receive general information about the program and ways to help, or to schedule a presentation, please contact Melissa Schroder, Eric's sister, at henry9069@sbcglobal.net or 574-532-9878.
The Challenge. . .
To Schools
Lent is a time of
sacrifice and giving.
Area high school and grade school students are invited to follow Eric Henry's lead and make giving to the poor through Saint Vincent De Paul a special Lenten project. Schools are encouraged to organize their campaign in ways that will instill a spirit of giving among students, faculty and families in ways that will reinforce the Christian values of charity and best serve the needs of the poor in our community. Friendly competitions between schools or classes have been held in the past.
To Businesses
Many businesses
give selflessly to area
charities. Participating in Eric's Promise is a way to continue that spirit of giving back to the community and enhance employee relations through a shared experience in support of a worthy cause. Companies may also wish to develop a friendly competition with other like-minded businesses to see which firm can donate the most to the campaign.
To Organizations
A unified effort to
generate donations to
the St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Stores is an excellent team-building activity for civic, professional and social organizations. Stuff-A-Truck days are perfect for organizations and businesses alike.
Giving Goals and Accomplishments
Results of the efforts by reporting schools, businesses and organizations. Shown is what we accomplished in 2009 and our goals for 2010. Totals are measured in pounds.
| 2009 Results | 2010 Goals | 2010 So Far | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic Schools | 16,336 | 20,000 | 0 |
| Public Schools | 1,708 | 5,000 | 0 |
| Businesses | 3,219 | 7,500 | 0 |
| Churches (Stuff-A-Truck) | 10,180 | 12,500 | 0 |
Eric shared Saint Vincent's belief that it is in giving we receive. In a community of so much abundance, there is also so much need. We invite you to hear the cry of the poor as Eric did.
For more information about Eric's Promise, click here.
