In the spirit of giving and mercy, the Mercyhurst Social Work club joined the city of Erie in its 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade last Saturday to raise funds in the form of crafts and non-perishable goods. These donations will go to the Mercy Center for Women, where the club will be hosting a Mother’s Day dinner.

The Mercy Center for Women hosts 13 women along with 11 children whose ages range from newborn to 11 years old.

The parade, filled with floats, Irish dancers, and zoo animals, traveled from 11th and State all the way down to Saint Patrick’s Church.

Senior Brittany Waldecker and other members of the club worked very hard on their float for the parade. “We were up until 11:00 spray-painting some days. We had a float with rainbows and leprechauns and a humongous pot of gold,” Waldecker said.

The club is also crafting necklaces, photo frames, and bracelets with the children of the Center, along with packaging baskets for the mothers with beauty and personal supplies.

Students taking the Intro to Social Work course were also invited to help the club with the parade, as they are the base of the social work program. “This gives them the opportunity to be in the community,” said Waldecker. “It captivates them.”

In terms of donations, the club is giving 100 percent of what it raises to the center. Although the club does not have any set figures in terms of money, it plans to raise enough craft supplies, non-perishable goods, and hygiene products to carry along with the Mother’s Day dinner without issue.

To make a donation, please contact Waldecker at bwalde44@lakers.mercyhurst.edu.