This Nov. 30 the Diocese of Trenton will take part in #GivingTuesday to raise funds in support of Catholic Schools.

As a national day of philanthropy, #GivingTuesday was established in 2012 and has garnered millions of acts of generosity in the form of monetary donations and volunteerism.

In the Diocese, supporters of Catholic education are asked to donate, and/or commit to volunteer in their local Catholic school. Prayers of support for the mission of the schools are also requested.

Last year more than $130,000 was raised for participating schools through the #GivingTuesday initiative, the most successful effort since the Diocese began participating in 2016.

Christine Prete, associate director of development operations for the Diocese, was thrilled with the success of #GivingTuesday in 2020, and while she is hopeful this year’s initiative will be as fruitful for the schools, she is aware of the long-reaching effects of the pandemic.

“These remain difficult financial times for many and that is why we encourage the use of the ‘Say a Prayer’ or ‘Volunteer’ options that are available for those who may not be able to participate with a monetary donation,” she said. “Like last year, volunteering may also be a challenge right now, but help is always needed in schools and prayers are always appreciated!”

While #GivingTuesday is focused on a single day, the diocesan Department of Development has worked to  foster relationships with Catholic schools and help in their advancement with the formation of Catholic Schools Have it All, an annual campaign, formerly known as the Catholic Alumni Partnership.

As Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, superintendent of Catholic Schools shared in his recent appeal letter to alumni and friends of Catholic education, “One of the key drivers to making sure our schools are here today and for the next generation is community support.  A student’s education was supported by those that understood the benefits of a Catholic education.  Parents paid tuition (of course) but it was advocates, like yourself, that helped support the next generation that would follow.”

Donations are being accepted now at www.leadinfaith.org, where alumni, benefactors and friends of Catholic education, may donate to a Catholic school in the Diocese. This year, donors may also take advantage of the “digital wallet” and text the keywords “leadinfaith” to 609-403-3323 to make a donation right from their cell phone.

All funds raised will go directly to participants’ school of choice.