Record donations to Misericordia

The 200-plus red- and white-vested volunteers all had smiles on their faces and a hop in their step as they hit corners and storefronts for the 2013 Misericordia Candy Days. The wonderful, generous people of Palatine also got into the spirit and reached deeper into their pockets to make their donations. This resulted in a collection of over $28,000, a record for Palatine. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.

The residents and staff of the Misericordia Home, and the entire Palatine volunteer group offer their heartfelt appreciation for such generosity. 100 percent of the money collected will go directly to the Misericordia Home to help Misericordia retain the diverse, quality programs that provide for the 600-plus residents they serve. Hopefully it will also allow Sister Rosemary and her staff to initiate new programs needed to meet the growing needs of their aging residents.

All of this needs to be done in a time of diminishing state funds and rising operational expenses.

Kudos are also in order for the loyal volunteers, including a number of families who man the same stations each year. Civic organizations such as the Palatine Emergency Management Group also give us their time. The staff of the Twice Blest Thrift Shop that is under the auspices of Misericordia is a major factor. Many individual high schoolers from Palatine, Fremd and St. Viator high schools were there. Our hope is that this group will increase as the young people experience the joy of helping others.

Those smiling faces with red vests and the contagious enthusiasm will be there again next year. We certainly hope you will be too. Thanks again.

Pat Martin, chairwoman

Candy Days Leadership Team

Hoffman Estates