My sister, Jackie Olesky Straight, Class of 1955, who lives in Rivesville, is up to her usual tactics, which is a very good thing for a lot of people.

Jackie is outreach coordinator for Fairmont’s St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, which this Easter meant providing Easter baskets and clothing for those who need them.

Let Jackie tell you about her 2017 venture:

“John, we recently concluded our Easter basket drive that benefits the residents of the Fairmont Union Mission.  Through the generosity of the parishioners of St. Peter the Fisherman Church, we were able to successfully fill the needs of the mission. 

 

“This year the Union Mission had 34 residents.  We made enough for all residents with 5 or 6 extra baskets. 

 

“The baskets are filled with hygenetic products like socks, handkerchiefs, chapsticks; Debbie cakes, crackers and Easter candy. 

 

“The children's baskets also included toys, sunglasses, stuffed animals and clothes. 

 

“We spent more than $200 on clothes for seven children.  The lady at the mission, Ann, would keep me updated on the numbers and sizes.  Two days before our delivery date, she called to tell me we had 3 more children and a mom. I went out and purchased more clothes and toys. 

 

“(Jackie’s daughter) Belinda and I did the baskets and I delivered them the week before Easter.  We had plenty of funds to purchase all items needed. 

 

“We enjoy knowing 34 people will have a little more love from people who do not know them personally. 

 

“Love, Jackie”

 

In 2014 my friend, Fairmont Times editor emeritus John Veasey, wrote about Jackie and her cohorts putting together 80 gift-wrapped packages of sweatshirts, socks, gloves and hat that they delivered to the Soup Opera to give to those in need for Christmas. Last year Jackie and the gang out-did themselves. They came up with 112 wrapped sweatshirts, socks, gloves and hat.

In the 17 years that Jackie has been coordinating the outreach program, more than 1,800 gifts have been donated.  

It seems like a decade since Jackie received her Catholic Charities’ Salt and Light Award. She hasn’t rested on her laurels.

Jackie is a reminder that what parents do often affects children more than what they say. Our mother, Lena Futten Olesky, never let anyone begging for food leave our house with an empty stomach.

Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.