This St. Valentine’s Day, the Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Martin’s Home for the Aged in Catonsville are hoping for a ring – but a gem or even a gold or silver necklace would be welcome, too.
“Share the Love Jewelry Drive: From Gold to Good – Recycle Riches for Resident Needs” is the nonprofit’s new fundraising initiative for February.
“We were looking for ways to fundraise and friend raise,” said Susie Kelly, director of development for the Little Sisters. “A lot of people right now do not have a lot of excess money to share. They might have some forgotten gems tucked away or dad’s old class ring.”
From Feb. 14 through Feb. 28, the sisters are accepting donations of gold or silver jewelry – “anything that can be sold for a few dollars” – including broken pieces, to raise extra funds.
The sisters hope the drive will help build connections with the community, Kelly said. While jewelry can be mailed to the center, people are encouraged to drop it off on Maiden Choice Lane.
“Four of us will be available to say ‘hello’ and to offer a tour if they like,” Kelly said. “It will help familiarize the people in the community with our home and the good we do here at Little Sisters of the Poor.”
The nonprofit is partnering with local jeweler JRC Jewelers in Arbutus to handle the jewelry and determine its value.
“I told them of my plan and they wanted to participate,” Kelly said. “There is so much you can do right within our own community.”
The fundraiser’s success, she added, can take many forms.
“If we meet two new people who never knew we existed or if we could pay our energy costs for one month it would be a success,” Kelly said. “Each dollar matters in taking care of our residents.”
St. Martin’s Home for the Aged offers independent living apartments for low-income seniors, along with assisted living and skilled nursing care options.
Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org
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