Driscoll teaches a lesson for hard times

The financial realities of this economic downturn hit home with two big news stories this week: the closure of Driscoll Catholic High School and the forecast that the number of suburban families in poverty could grow significantly.

Driscoll's supporters charged forward with an impressive campaign to save the school, raising $950,000 in less than three weeks. That still wasn't enough. Even the support of loyal, vocal and generous alumni couldn't save the school, which dwindled to an enrollment of just 311. The tough economy put the $7,000 annual tuition out of reach for many families.

At the same time, the Heartland Alliance predicted the suburbs can expect a 27 percent jump in poverty - $22,050 a year for a family of four. This comes as no surprise to Mary Ellen Durbin of Wheaton's People's Resource Center, which now employs a parking attendant because of the volume of food pantry patrons.

Many of the suburbs' newly poor, no doubt, once enjoyed some financial security and gainful employment. Some might be families that had been teetering on the edge of poverty before losing a job or having wages cut. Others might be in sales or management whose family finances already were stretched thin before a layoff or drop in commissions.

These are unfortunate truths of life in a severe recession. No matter how hard we try - to save a school or make ends meet - financial realities keep us from living life the way we want to live it.

The Save Driscoll committee did not meet their goal of keeping open a school that became known for its excellent athletic program and annual Help-a-Thon that assisted people throughout the community.

Still, their inspirational effort is a reminder of what we can accomplish even in a crisis. A dailyherald.com reader identified as DCMOM puts it well: "Who would not want to be associated with a school that is comprised of such amazing people as the Driscoll Family is?" Indeed.

In this economic crisis, the Driscoll Family can teach us a lesson or two. It's one we've learned as we have faced other challenges: band together, pick up the phone and get to work. Give to the food pantries, donate furniture and clothing to places that help the unfortunate, be an advocate for friends and neighbors who have fallen on hard times. We have used this space to call for this action in the past. If you don't have extra money or things, give time. The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago says this is just what's happening. The number of volunteers is up - along with the demand for services.

To be sure, our communities will look different by the time the economy bounces back. If we use the example set by the Save Driscoll group, there's even hope for our communities to grow stronger.