On July 7, the community of Milwaukee came together to load disaster relief supplies that are heading to Venezuela to help those impacted by the devastating earthquakes. Volunteers from throughout the city came to Blessed Sacrament Parish to help load water, toilet paper, nonperishable food and other essential items. Even students joined the effort, helping carry supplies from the basement to the truck waiting outside. Father Norberto Sandoval expressed his gratitude for the support stating “to see this response is amazing. It’s a response from God.”
Theresa Breunig, a volunteer, feels especially drawn to this cause and believes it’s her duty as “part of the body of Christ” to work together in order to support and help one another. She shared how especially heartwarming it was to “be working alongside children, elderly, the Brewers, people you didn’t know but all working for the same cause.”
Our Lady Queen of Peace seventh grade students, Sofia Mercado and Cecilia Sunlut, were also proud to lend a helping hand. Cecilia stated that volunteering teaches her “that helping other people out is the good thing to do,” while Sofia added “it makes me feel like I’m a good person and it makes me feel closer to God.”
In order to get the supplies to the Venezuelan people, the United for Venezuela Emergency Relief effort has a three phase process. Father Norby explained that the first phase is right here at Blessed Sacrament Parish, where donations were collected and prepared for shipment. Phase two will take place in Miami, where supplies are received and organized before the final phase, delivering them directly to the communities in Venezuela to reach those who were impacted.
At Seton Catholic Schools, we are inspired by the generosity and compassion shown by our students, families and local community members. Together, we continue to answer the call to live out our faith through acts of service and support for those who are going through immense hardship.