From left: Mary Jo Aiken, principal, St. Mary School, Fr. Alfonso Alvarado, priest from Nicaragua, Anne Marie Zon, director of Nicaragua mission and Karen Smaczniak, director, St. Mary Family Faith Formation, visit a cow at Kelkenberg Farms in Clarence. Similar dairy cows will be purchased for families in the Nicaragua mission with money raised through a St. Mary's recycling drive.

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 The St. Mary Swormville Faith Community recently raised $1,000 to purchase ten milk cows for families in Nicaragua missions by collecting and redeeming recyclables.

Inspired by the Corporal Works of Mercy, the theme of this initiative was "Give Drink to the Thirsty - The Cow Project."  The drive began during the summer and resulted in the collection of approximately 7,200 items. 

According to Anne Marie Zon, director of the Nicaragua Mission, ten families will receive a milk cow that will serve them for at least seven years, with the cows birthing a calf each of those years."With each calf comes a supply of milk, cream and cheese,"  Zon said. "The children in these families gain the most - they will be able to grow healthy and happy."

This year, St. Mary's is aligning their monthly service projects with The Corporal Works of Mercy, charitable actions found in the teachings of Jesus to help others with material and basic needs. This month, the parish community service project will focus on the Corporal Work of Mercy "Clothe the Naked." New and gently used coats will be collected for the St. Vincent de Paul  Society.