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On April 24, Saint Xavier University will participate in Misericordia Candy Days. For the past three years, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) have sponsored the event.
Jamie Manahan, Executive Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, said, “Misericordia, Heart of Mercy currently supports 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities from all racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.”
The organization provides a range of programs, Manahan said, ranging from residential placement, day-to-day support, employment opportunities, physical and speech therapy, social and recreational outings, health and fitness activities, and opportunities for spiritual growth.
The Candy Days have been a huge success for SXU and Misericordia. In 2013, volunteers raised $3,200 in one day. Last year, over $7,000 was donated in one day. The donations are collected at the intersection of 95th and Cicero.
“In 2013, we had 40 alumni, students, staff, and faculty volunteers. Last year, we had close to 100 volunteers and this year we expect close to 100 volunteers who will collect donations…We are most grateful to Coach Mike Feminis and other staff and faculty members who are encouraging students to participate in this service project [and] supporting the residents of Misericordia…We hope to exceed last year’s donations and increase the number of volunteers too! ” Manahan said.
Misericordia, founded 40 years ago by Sister Rosemary Connelly, holds a special place in the hearts of many Saint Xavier community members, including Patrick Mahoney, a friend and donor to SXU.
Mahoney served on the board of trustees at Misericordia and introduced many staff members and students to the organization’s mission, allowing the university to get involved with Candy Days.
“Mr. Mahoney donated time and resources the past two years so that our Candy Days volunteers would have refreshments throughout the day and even a ‘thank you’ reception after the long day, which included raffle prizes for our volunteers. Sadly, Mr. Mahoney passed away suddenly on March 21. We will continue to support Misericordia Candy Days in Mr. Mahoney’s honor and memory and we hope that we make him very proud,” Manahan said.
Not only will volunteers carry on Mahoney’s legacy, Misericordia Candy Days are also an opportunity for participants to embrace some of Saint Xavier’s important core values, with an emphasis on service, compassion, and respect.
“The Candy Days event brings our students, alumni, staff, and faculty together to serve the residents at Misericordia and live out the mission and core values at SXU,” Manahan said.
Maura Manahan, student coordinator of the event, has been hard at work planning Candy Days. In the coming days, Maura will recruit volunteers via social media and help plan the post-event reception at Gilhooley’s. Additionally, she also plans on visiting local businesses and asking them to support the event and its volunteers.
“I will be at our site on April 24 for the entire day to welcome volunteers and help supervise the event. We are fortunate to have so much support for this annual event!” Maura said. Not only does Candy Days benefit Misericordia’s residents, the event also helps give back to the SXU community. For volunteers, the experience is extremely valuable.
“Seeing students, alumni, staff, faculty, and friends coming together to support such a wonderful place like Misericordia is so rewarding. It is also a very fun day! Volunteers have great stories of very generous motorists who are happy to donate to such a worthwhile cause,” Maura said.
Volunteers who participate, especially students, are given the chance to experience what it is like giving back to the community.
“We hope students will appreciate their own education and assistance they have received at SXU and will pay it forward to future students by giving annual donations to the university when they graduate,” Manahan said.
To learn more, please call the Alumni Office or email them at alumni@sxu.edu.
Katherine Arvia
Senior News Editor
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