Children slather sandwiches of love

St. Timothy's students gather clothes, water, food, for the Marian Centre to share with those in need

- WCR photo by Bill Glen Grade 6 student Brendan Callander, left, helps his fellow St. Timothy students spread mustard and mayonnaise on bread for the Marian Centre sandwiches

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

The assembly line started at Phoebe Stead's station.

Knife in hand, the Grade 2 student at St. Timothy Elementary School deftly splashed mustard and mayonnaise onto pieces of bread before they were moved to the next table for a generous application of bologna and cheese.

"This is my first time making the sandwiches. Bologna is my favourite," she said.

"I feel good because we are helping people who don't have anything to eat."

Share sandwiches

Phoebe was just one of about 260 students at the Castledowns school who took part in a Lenten project of making sandwiches and collecting donations of food and clothing for the Marian Centre.

The school focused on the centre last year during Lent, but this year a decision was made to add the sandwiches throughout the entire school year.

"We have been making sandwiches for the Marian Centre once a month since September. Before today, we were at 1,400 sandwiches," said Grade 2 teacher Waverly Turriff.

On March 13, the students and staff made another 400 sandwiches.

The school has "adopted" the Marian Centre and since the end of January, a weekly collection of water bottles is made along with one other item, such as a comb, deodorant or a pair of socks.

- WCR photo by Bill Glen Grade 2 student Amy Smale celebrates making another bologna sandwich.

"One week it might be cookies and water bottles, or a box of crackers and water bottles," Turriff said.

Brendan Callander says he feels really good inside because he knows he is helping someone else in the world.

"Some people don't really care to take the time and help them," said Callander, a Grade 6 student.

The school has raised money for the Marian Centre, but also for breast cancer research to help support two teachers who were recently diagnosed with the disease.

St. Timothy's has collected 1,439 water bottles. Turriff says the realistic goal for June is 3,000.

"I know we can't hit the pocketbooks too hard, but the kids are so receptive," she said.

"They hope that if they can help just one person get off the streets or to find a job - whatever it may be - that's what we are here for."

Little Amy Smale does not like the idea that some people are alone.

"I hope this helps people find someone," said the Grade 2 student.

The school has also been donating used clothing. Teachers and parents volunteer loading a van to take to the centre each week.

"A gentleman at the centre kept repeating 'St. Timothy, you are amazing,'" Turriff said.

"Parents donate the money. Every child signs up to bring bread, or meat. The response has been phenomenal. Every child has been involved in some form."

Grade 6 student Connie Ho hopes all their effort will put a smile on another person's face.

"They have to live through more than we do. They go through tougher times," she said. "They really have to know how to survive out there."

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