Together, we can change the lives of families all over the world. My name is Katie Opack and I am a senior at Stone Ridge in Bethesda, MD. World Villages for Children (WVC) helps the world's poorest children escape a life of poverty through education - both a fully accredited in-house education program and vocational training. Additionally, WVC supports the Sisters of Mary in their efforts to foster both personal and spiritual growth. They currently operate 14 villages in 7 different countries. To date, WVC has helped over 150,000 children and their families break free from a life of poverty. I'm fundraising on behalf of World Villages for Children and the Sisters of Mary because it is their mission to help the most marginalized and most vulnerable children around the globe. Just last week, a new student arrived at Girlstown in Tanzania where she took her first-ever shower in running water. She had never used indoor plumbing before. There are countless stories just like hers, which is why WVC continues to fight to ensure that no child has to experience a life of poverty without access to equal opportunities and education. 

This campaign officially kicks-off on Ash Wednesday and it is my Lenten goal to raise $10,000 for World Villages in honor of the students working to better their (and their family's) life. In the words of WVC's founder, Venerable Fr. Alousius Schwartz, the secret of constant joy is "Unselfishness, which means love. You must be unselfish to practice charity. You must go out to others and think of them.” Please join me in this effort in any way you can - by sharing this page, keeping each student in your prayers, and any financial contributions. Thank you so much for your time! If you want to read more about World Villages and the amazing Sisters, please visit their website at https://www.worldvillages.org/about-us/. Also, feel free to contact me with any questions. With your help, we can do it!