NEWPORT, R.I. – Salve Regina students are spearheading a drive to collect gift cards to bring with them on a mission trip to Brattleboro, Vt., where they will help residents who are continuing to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Irene.
In a two-day trip organized by Salve Regina’s Mercy Center for Spiritual Life on Nov. 4-5, about 20 students will work directly with the parish community of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brattleboro to help with their ongoing cleanup efforts. Joining the students will be Anna Mae Mayer, Mercy Center director, and Chris Gosselin, minister of music and social justice.
In addition to offering hands-on help, the students are responding to a request by The Rev. Rich O’Donnell, pastor of St. Michael’s, for gift cards, as they are easy to transport and will allow residents to purchase exactly what they need.
Gift cards most needed include: Shaws Supermarkets, Hannaford Supermarkets, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath and Beyond and multipurpose Visa/Mastercard gift cards.
Members of the public interested in donating a gift card to help Vermonters in need can mail it to the attention of Chris Gosselin, Mercy Center, Salve Regina University, 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, RI 02840. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 3.
Cash or check donations, made out to The Mercy Center, are also accepted.