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Faith Formation students from Oswego’s St. Paul’s Church and the staff at Catholic Charities of Oswego County (CCOC), have created and donated a variety of artwork to decorate the agency’s new location said Mary-Margaret Pekow, CCOC executive director. CCOC relocated to 808 W. Broadway last summer.
“We are thrilled that the youth in faith formation at St. Paul’s have donated their time and talent to help add warmth and beauty to our building,” said Pekow. “Similarly, many of our staff have created artwork for decoration here, as well as custom photography. Together with the students from St. Paul’s, we are creating a delightful environment for our staff and clients.”
Diane Zeller, faith formation coordinator for St. Paul’s, said she was inspired to help after touring CCOC’s building. “I wanted to get better acquainted with their services,” Zeller said. “While I was touring the building, I noticed a lot of blank space, so I saw this was a wonderful opportunity for our students to help. To-date, we have donated a tile wall hanging for the main hallway, and a sculpture for the secondary entrance.”
Zeller said that students from first grade through sophomores in high school have contributed photos, paintings, sculpture, and works in other media to CCOC. “It’s our mission to remind families what their faith is, and to promote the faith,“ Zeller said. “ St. Joseph’s Church has made donations, and we’ll also be reaching out to other local parishes for additional artwork donations.”
Lori Perrault, compliance officer for CCOC, has been coordinating efforts among their staff for artwork. To-date, she has received the following commitments: a quilt for the primary entrance from CYO/Mentor participants; a painting on canvas for the entrance to the Resource Center, from Pam Peeling, director of operations; a decorative hallway wreath from LuAnne Arcos-Brown, Health Home Care manager; a wood sculpture, created by her son, and a mural for the CYO area, from Sheila Harmath, CCOC mentor; and photography for the secondary entrance from Debbie Stein, CCOC finance clerk.
CCOC is actively engaged in a capital campaign to assist with cost of renovating the new location for its services and programs. According to Pezzela-Pekow, CCOC has raised more than $750,000 toward its’ goal of $1.5 million. CCOC will be conducting its capital campaign through the end of March 2020.
“People will be making an investment in our new location, but ultimately, they are bringing hope and transforming the lives of thousands in our county.” For information, visit www.ccoswego.com, their Facebook page, or contact Mary-Margaret Pezella-Pekow at mmpekow@ccoswego.com, 598-3980.
