Sister M. Johnice Rzadkiewicz, CSSF, visited Notre Dame Academy in South Buffalo this week. (Dan Cappellazzo/Staff Photographer)

Sister M. Johnice Rzadkiewicz CSSF, executive director of the Response to Love Center came to Notre Dame Academy on Wednesday, Jan. 9 to accept a donation from the fourth-grade class.

Fourth-grade students had a very special way of preparing their hearts and minds this Advent season. They decided to take on the virtue of charity. After some brainstorming the decision was to hold a coin drive that lasted the four weeks of Advent and donate the monies to the Response to Love Center on the East Side of Buffalo. As the season of Advent progressed the collection of coins grew. At the end of four weeks the two fourth-grade classes at Notre Dame Academy collected $259.75

Fourth-grader Allison commented, "It makes me feel good to give money to the Response to Love Center. I know that all the coins I brought in during Advent will help Sister Johnice care for those who need it."

As the coin drive was underway the students learned about the center and its mission statement, which reads: "Inspired by our faith and inclusive of all, Response providing a pathway to self-sufficiency."

2019 will mark the 35 years since the Response to Love Center opened its doors on 130 Kosciuszko St.  "The mission is to build up the kingdom of God here on earth through touching peoples' lives, helping people to grow, teaching people to love, and leading them, in turn, to respond in love to others," said Sister Johnice. "We show people the path to self-sufficiency by providing them a variety of compassionate programs. Clearly, the way before us here is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. And to know that the students at Notre Dame Academy have us in their thoughts, prayers and actions, means so much."

For more information on South Buffalo Catholic School Notre Dame Academy please call 716-824-0726 or visit www.notredamebuffalo.org.