AUGUSTA---While visiting schools during Advent, Bishop Robert P. Deeley has told students to remember that Christmas celebrations should remind them that God loves them and wants them “to care for and love one another, not just at Christmas, but all year.”

Students at St. Michael Catholic School in Augusta are faithfully living out that message, trading thoughts of what might be under their Christmas trees next Thursday for brainstorming ways to help many neighbors in desperate need.

In response to two December apartment fires in Augusta that left more than 30 people homeless, the seventh-grade students at St. Michael Catholic School decided to act, asking families and community members to make a donation to assist victims of the devastating fires. The students collected the donations themselves, placing ornaments on the school’s Christmas tree in honor of each donor.

On Thursday, December 18, at 9:30 a.m., the students will present representatives from the United Way of Kennebec Valley with a check for over $2,470 to go to those impacted by the fires. The collection will wrap up on Wednesday before a final donation total is reached.

“Our seventh-grade students who put this together have truly exemplified the spirit and mission of our faith and our school,” said Kevin Cullen, principal of St. Michael. “This pales in comparison to what was lost, but in our own small way, we are helping these victims. Every day I spend with these children reminds me of how blessed I am to be here at St. Michael.”

Media members are encouraged to attend the presentation on Thursday at the school, located on 56 Sewall Street in Augusta.

For more information, contact Dave Guthro, Communications Director at the Diocese of Portland, at (207) 321-7810 or at [email protected].