St. James to go on Mission Trip to Orphanage in the Dominican Republic

Thirteen volunteers from St. James Parish in Arlington Heights are going to serve alongside the staff, children, and local community at the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) orphanage in the Dominican Republic. The group departs for the Caribbean island on Saturday, October 25th, and returns the following Saturday, November 1st.

Each volunteer will be carrying two large duffle bags loaded with donations, including more than 15 boxes of new uniforms, jerseys, t-shirts, caps, and other sports gear provided by the Arlington Heights Park District.

St. James has assisted Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos orphanages for many years. NPH runs orphanages throughout Central and South America. The mission organizers, Marianne Dilsner and Katherine Harig, have previously traveled to the Dominican Republic orphanage. Dilsner has also traveled to NPH orphanages in Mexico and El Salvador. She has seen firsthand the difference that a dedicated group of volunteers can make in a short amount of time.

"Our volunteers bring a wealth of skills," said Dilsner. "Some help with child care. Others will fix roofs and focus on home improvements for orphanage staff members. One of our volunteers even fixes bicycles. As you can imagine, that's an important form of transportation at the orphanage."

NPH orphanages were designated as a parish sharing project by retired pastor Fr. Bill Zavaski. The new pastor, Fr. Matt Foley, has continued the effort.

For more information about this mission trip to NPH - Dominican Republic, please contact Marianne Dilsner at mdilsner@stjamesah.org or contact St. James Parish at 224-345-7200 or email parishoffice@stjamesah.org