St. Peter’s students raise funds for Army Emergency Relief during Lent

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Parishioners at St. Peter’s Catholic Church gathered for Ash Wednesday services this week, marking the start of the Lenten season with a spirit of reflection and personal sacrifice.

“This is what starts off Lent for us — and for the next 40 days we do more than we normally do for the rest of the year,” said Nancy Stoudenmire, a parishioner at St. Peter’s.

Stoudenmire said attendance was strong. “There was standing room in the back — so I think that’s a good thing. It’s a sign for the church and our faith,” she said.

One day after Ash Wednesday services, students at St. Peter’s Catholic School held a fundraiser in the school gym, collecting money for service members and their families at McIntyre and Fort Jackson.

“We’re just giving today to the military and families at McIntyre and Fort Jackson. So we have to show them love and support,” said Jamal Teadim, a sixth-grade student at St. Peter’s.

Service members were on hand as the funds raised will benefit the Army Emergency Relief Campaign, an 86-year-old program that provides assistance to community members, service members, retirees and their families.

U.S. Army Sgt. Escandor Kidane explained how the fund works.

“It’s a zero interest loan — and it’s kind of a way to prevent private lenders from taking advantage of our community members,” Kidane said. He added that the funds are used in “family emergency situations where they need funding for that or donation from that or car repairs.”

Fifth-grader Camille Cleary said the fundraiser carries personal meaning for many students. “We have a lot of families that have parents in the military so when we do this — I think that the parents appreciate it,” she said.

Kidane said the school’s participation is meaningful to those who benefit. “Knowing that their donation is coming to help their families, the community is a good feeling so I really appreciate St. Peter’s doing that. And it just shows their commitment and just the ability to collaborate with Fort Jackson and seeing that community government relationship happening,” he said.

Last year, St. Peter’s donation — combined with others collected over several months — topped $94,000 at Fort Jackson. Roughly $900,000 has been raised nationwide through the Army Emergency Relief Fund over the years.

Different military installations, including Fort Jackson, compete to raise the most funds. Donations can be made at aer.org.

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