Center for Catholic Education at UD

“It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters.  It’s what we do with what we have.”   ~ Fred Rogers

We start the New Year reflecting on all the blessings and joy that our ECHO students and families received this Christmas thanks to the many generous and hard-working people involved in our Christmas collection.  It is truly a labor of love when we come together to share our resources to those in need.  Your interest and kindness is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

The real “angel” who organizes and guides all the work that goes into the ECHO Christmas outreach is Michelle Sherman, our ECHO Family Advocate.  Starting in early September, Michelle is ever mindful to identify those students who could use a little extra help and love this Christmas.  She then works with the Hannah’s Treasure Chest “Giving Angels Program”, Immaculate Conception Church Giving Tree,  and many private donors to serve all the needs.  This Christmas, thanks to your help, we had the privilege to bring joy to 219 children and 89 families at St. Benedict the Moor, Immaculate Conception, and Mother Brunner Catholic Schools.  Along with the gifts, we gave out food baskets during Thanksgiving and Christmas to 47 families (which served 209 people) thanks to the Immaculate Conception Food Pantry and UD Campus Ministry Department.

We want to express a special thank you to the ECHO counselors, PULSE volunteers Claire Riggan and Rafael Lopez Rodriguez, CJ and St. Benedict students, and all those who helped distribute the food baskets and Christmas gifts. It is heart-warming to experience the smiles, tears, hugs, and sincere appreciation from the families and children in our Catholic schools.  Please take a minute to share in the excitement, joy, and love shown in these pictures.

From our ECHO family to yours, we wish you much happiness and many blessings throughout the New Year!