by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
TONGANOXIE — When local businesses and churches learned that some children here might go hungry this summer, they responded together.
Father Mark Goldasich, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, wasn’t surprised his own parishioners stepped up in a big way.
“They see it as living out their faith,” said Father Goldasich. “They come [to Mass] on Sunday, and we talk about how we need to feed the hungry and clothe the naked and give drink to the thirsty.”
The need arose when the local public school was no longer able to provide meals for children during the summer months.
“When they first had this meeting in May at the library asking for help, it was pretty cool to see so many people show up to that,” said Jennifer Eastes, director of religious education at Sacred Heart.
“I think every church in town was probably represented, which was neat,” she continued. “Everybody wanted to help.”
Sacred Heart and other local groups stepped in to help the Tonganoxie Public Library’s Chieftain Café, which offers after-school snacks to kids throughout the year.
The groups provided the café with sandwiches, chips and drinks to serve children who would otherwise go hungry.
“It’s really amazing for us that people — especially kids — would be hungry,” said Father Goldasich, “and that they would go to a refrigerator and there’d be nothing in there.”
His parishioners donated the food items needed to do their part, and on Aug. 3, a dozen people formed an assembly line at the church to make sandwiches for the second time this summer.
“We figured it isn’t gourmet — peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — but it’s more the thought that goes behind it and the love that goes behind it,” said Father Goldasich.
Teri Morgan, a Sacred Heart parishioner for more than 30 years, was grateful for the opportunity to volunteer.
“I think it’s really important that we help all generations within our community,” she said, “and especially the kiddos, making sure that they have lunches [when] they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
“It’s just really special to help.”
Tonganoxie High School sophomore Ivan Franco was also excited to give back.
“I wanted to volunteer and help and do my part,” said Franco. “It feels good giving back to my community and helping people that need it.”
Father Goldasich is proud of his parishioners for their generosity.
“I’m glad we stepped forward,” he said. “It speaks about how important we feel our faith is, but also that we want to reach out to those who are in need in some way, especially kids.”
