By Paula Graham
Catholic Herald correspondent
Amid tornado recovery, Walk for Life a success
LADYSMITH --CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center was blessed to be spared by the Labor Day tornado that hit the commercial district of Ladysmith and twice blessed by the $16,073 raised during the center's 15th Annual Walk for Life on Sept. 21.
"And we've been blessed by donations -- clothing, equipment. We're getting stock. Where we didn't have one stroller, now we have three," said Schreiber. "Isn't that just like God's people? We know we're going to have a needy area for a while; that next year is going to be tough one. God is allowing all of this to come."
The day after the tornado, the center was open for business. It was the only building along the north side of Miner Avenue's east 100 block to go practically unscathed. D and M Home Care, the building to their west, had ti be gutted and is being rebuilt. To their east, the building is questionable. "It may have to come down," said Schreiber.
Damage to the center totaled $4,000. "Our front door was shattered -- just the glass -- but no debris flew in, thankfully," Schreiber said and added, "Our sign is still up. It's God's doing."
With people focused on recovery efforts, this year's Walk for Life brought out fewer walkers than recent years. "But the money was up and we had more teams participating," said Schreiber. In addition to donations, other activities, including a silent auction, raffle and bake sale, contributed to the grand total.
Flambeau School alumni donated an autographed Jimmy Leonhard football, which was auctioned for $100. "Three years ago we had Barry Bonds memorabilia, and we know what that's worth now. So who knows what the Jimmy Leonhard football might be worth someday," said Schreiber. Other popular auction items were chain saw carvings by Ted East and a Harley Davidson motorcycle ride.
The Walk for Life began with a balloon release in memory of babies lost to abortion. According to Schreiber, there are have been 40 million babies to date who weren't allowed to live. "We took a moment to pray for them, for their families and for a change of heart. And to reflect on why we were there, which was to educate the community that abortion goes on every day," she said.
This year's theme was Celebrating Life. Schreiber says she was thrilled, both at the Walk for Life and in the days following the tornado, to witness the spirit of people coming together and giving what they could. "The tornado has brought out such a generous spirit."
According to Schreiber, the Pregnancy Resource Center provides a variety of parent-training classes, as well as classes on marriage matters. The center also offers adoption referrals and teaches abstinence education.
The Center's Learning and Earning as Peers (LEAP) program helps parents purchase baby supplies and equipment. "By taking classes, parents can earn points and use those points to purchase diapers, laundry soap, strollers, cribs and car seats. We do have a loan program, but the new equipment can be earned and is theirs to keep," said Schreiber.
The center has a 24-hour help line at 800-657-4919. There is no charge for services.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002