April 14, 2010

Clothespin crucifixes raise money for homeless

By Julie Filby

Local volunteers have united to make and sell crucifixes to raise money for Colorado’s hungry and homeless.

While visiting family in Missouri, Jay Gould was inspired when his step-grandson showed him a crucifix he made at school out of wooden clothespins.

“It was simple, but beautiful,” said Gould, a co-founder of Father Woody’s Haven of Hope day shelter and parishioner at St. Rose of Lima.

Gould began making the modest crucifixes and sending them to friends in both North and Central America. He’s made hundreds.

“My hope is that (the people I send them to) will make these beautiful crucifixes—and pass them on,” he said. “And encourage others to do the same.”

Gould presented the idea to Knights of Columbus member Jim Hiltenbrand who presented the clothespin crucifix idea to the Faith Sharing Group of Knights’ Council 4844 Southwest Denver Chapter, which embraced the project. He also presented it at a meeting of youth group directors.

The united efforts of youth groups from six parishes in the Denver Archdiocese—St. Jude, Notre Dame, All Saints, Queen of Peace, St. Thomas More and St. Vincent de Paul—along with volunteers from Haven of Hope, Knights of Columbus, Scout groups, priests and seminarians combined to make an estimated 1,200 crucifixes.

At the Living the Catholic Faith Conference in Denver last February, crucifix sales raised nearly $800 for the Haven of Hope.

According to Hiltenbrand, the clothespin crucifix project will be presented at the Knights’ State Convention in Colorado Springs this weekend. The councils in turn will take the idea back to their parishes to share with other groups. Proceeds will be donated to Catholic Charities.

“We don’t know how much good it will do,” Hiltenbrand said. “Only God knows how much good it will do.”

Based on their beauty, simplicity and low cost, the clothespin crucifixes can be an ideal project or fundraiser for schools and service organizations. The cost of materials for one crucifix is just 82 cents. Assembly instructions are easy-to-understand. The crucifixes may be given away, or sold for a set fee or a freewill donation.

For more information on the project, e-mail Hiltenbrand at jimandmur@yahoo.com.