You are invited to consider sponsoring a student in Haiti with an annual, semi-annual or monthly contribution. Funds are distributed to students in August and January. All sponsorship funds go directly to the students.

No operating expenses are withheld.

The cost of tuition, school uniforms, shoes and supplies, and, for many students, transportation, room and board, continues to increase. The program tries to give each student $200 per year, although some elementary students receive a little less.

While that is the goal, you are welcome to give any amount you are able. Pledges or gifts of less than $300 annually will be combined to meet student needs. The program is presently assisting more than 107 students and families. More sponsors are needed.

For more information on student sponsorships contact Holy Family Parish-Jasper at (812) 482-3076 or St. John Parish-Newburgh at (812) 853-6181.

You may make tax deductible contributions through these parishes' Haiti committees. Write a check to "(The Appropriate Parish) Haiti Student Committee" (either Holy Family or St. John Parish). Mail it to the parish by obtaining the address from www.evansville-diocese.org .

You will receive a letter confirming your sponsorship and amount.

A Word About the Ministry to Haiti Endowment

Believing that education offers the best hope for the future the Ministry to Haiti Endowment was opened. This fund will help parishes in the Diocese of Evansville establish scholarships for needy students in their Twinned parishes.

The vision in opening this endowment means that funds will always be available to support individual student needs of Haitian parishes," said Linda Cox, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana . The Catholic Foundation is a not-for-profit agency that invests endowments of the Catholic Church in southwestern Indiana.

Distribution of funds will be decided by an appointed committee of persons from parishes that are actively involved in Haitian ministry. Distribution will be based on requests from the Haitian parish pastors or administrators.

"Now that the endowment is open, a gift of any amount, including bequests, annuities, personal property or a personal check, can add to its growth. It is an incredible opportunity for persons interested in sharing friendship and solidarity with Haiti," Cox said.

For information on contributing to the Haiti Ministry endowment or on opening an endowment to benefit a favorite organization, contact lcox@evansville-diocese.org or call Linda Cox at (812) 424-5536.