As the days are getting colder, sweatpants and jeans are the perfect way to stay warm and give back to an organizations that Xavier is very involved with. On Wed. Nov. 28, the buck-a-sweans collection was donated to Damien House. As a Xavier community, we raised $1,006.34 for Damien House, a hospital in Ecuador that cares for patients with leprosy. 30 patients are cared for and currently live at Damien House, while over 700 outpatients are given free medical assistance. Sister Annie Credidio, a B.V.M. sister, dedicates her life to the patients living at this residential hospital. She founded the Damien House based in the United States in 1994. As Xavier College Preparatory is run by B.V.M. sisters, a special connection is felt for the cause of the volunteers in Ecuador.  

Sister Kathleen comments: “I love volunteering at Damien House because Sister Annie is such an inspiring disciple of Christ. She is the quintessential B.V.M. missionary: she sees people’s suffering and responds with her whole heart in alleviating their pain. Sister Annie inspires me to give 110% to every mission where I serve.”

Xavier students love participating in buck-a-sweans because it is a fulfilling way to give back to our community and organizations, both home and abroad, that need our help. Senior Julia Crippen says that she likes the idea of buck-a-sweans because “it shows how a dollar each amongst a huge community can make a huge difference, and it creates a comfy environment for us while helping a good cause and giving back to more important things.”

Damien House is an important charity that the Xavier community holds close to our hearts.