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NDA’s Gallagher making a difference at St. John’s

By Josh Staloch
Staff Writer


GREEN BAY – From an early age, Delaney Gallagher said she knew she wanted to do something to help the homeless population in Green Bay.

Now a junior at Notre Dame Academy (NDA), Gallagher has turned what started out as a hope to someday get involved, into a full-blown operation helping those less fortunate keep a little warmer this winter with Long Johns For St. John’s.

The fundraising effort aims to provide basic necessities to those in the community who need them the most – long underwear.

It was very eye-opening to see, first off, just the numbers of how many homeless there are in our community,” Gallagher said. “It was pretty heart-wrenching and sad to see that there is such a large homeless population here- people who have essentially been forgotten about. But it’s also been very rewarding to see how, when you inform people that there is a need to help, how they’re willing to get involved.”

As a longtime St. John’s volunteer, she said she saw the need and jumped at the chance to make a difference.

How it works

Gallagher said donations can be made at any of the area’s five Festival Foods stores, as well as the Main Street Fleet Farm and the NDA campus.

When the donation boxes are full, Gallagher gets a call and then goes and picks the items up. 

Gallagher said her most recent haul, which she dropped off at St. John’s on Feb. 11, took up all available space inside her vehicle, minus the driver’s seat, and weighed hundreds of pounds.

She said it’s an effective system, one which helps her balance her charitable efforts with her life as a busy student.

Gallagher said being organized keeps it enjoyable for her, making the time she spends on Long Johns For St. John’s feel more like a hobby than an obligation.

And though it’s been a big time commitment, she said its worth every minute.

Emphasis on giving back

Gallagher is a leader with NDA’s ASTRA (Ability, Service, Training, Responsibility, Achievement) Service Club.

She said the group’s purpose is to get students out in the community and involved in giving back.

She said NDA’s strong focus on community service has been an inspiration and a source of strength for her as she becomes more involved in the community.

“I definitely think my education at Notre Dame Academy has very positively helped me to recognize that there are a lot of different ways to help,” Gallagher said. “Wherever my life takes me, I feel like I do have a strong passion for volunteering and for helping others, especially those who don’t have the same opportunities, or even basic necessities in life.” 

Changing needs

Last year, St. John’s Homeless Shelter’s greatest need was long underwear.

This year, Gallagher said the shelter is stocked up on that particular essential, so Long Johns For St. John’s is pivoting and focusing on collecting boots, hats and gloves.

She said bins will be out until the end of March.

Drop-off locations include:

• Active Chiropractic – 502 Greene Ave, Green Bay

• Notre Dame Academy – 610 Maryhill Dr., Green Bay

• Festival Foods – 2250 W Mason St., 2430 University Ave., 2534 Steffens Ct., in Green Bay; 2348 Lineville Rd., Suamico; and 1001 Main Ave., De Pere

• Fleet Farm (east location) – 2460 Main St., Green Bay

• St. Francis Xavier Parish – 220 S. Michigan Ave, De Pere

• St. Mary and St. Vincent (employees only)

Monetary donations are also accepted with 100% of proceeds going toward supporting guests at St. John’s.

Any dollar amount is appreciated, and givers can also choose a sponsor level.

• $1-49 – Getting Chilly – Giving warmth.

• $50 – Freezing season – 5 guests warmed.

• $100 – Sub Zero – 10 guests warmed.

• $250 – Polar Vortex – 25 guests warmed.

• $300+ – Warming Hearts.

For more information on the project, or to find out how to help, visit stjohnhomelessshelter.org/long-johns-for-st-johns/

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