Sister organizations continue annual tradition of spreading mercy in Cedar Rapids community

Sister organizations Mount Mercy University, the Catherine McAuley Center and Mercy Medical Center are continuing the tradition of spreading mercy in our community. Circle the City with Mercy is a one-day community service project with volunteers from each organization working toward a common cause. 

Now in its fourth year, the Circle the City with Mercy partners look for a unique community service project each year to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the community. The project marks the anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids in July 1875.

This year, beginning at 9 a.m. on July 22, team members from each of the three organizations will connect through a Zoom call to hear from a representative of each organization. The group will then receive assembly instructions for creating protective foot coverings to keep feet dry from the elements of weather, which is the focus of this year’s service project. The foot coverings will be donated to Olivet Mission and other local nonprofits that serve individuals experiencing homelessness.

The foot coverings are made of blue wraps from Mercy’s surgical areas, where they are used to wrap sterile instrument trays. Normally, once used, these blue wraps are discarded. Circle the City with Mercy is committed to using them to create at least 500 pairs of protective foot coverings. 

“We are so grateful to the volunteers who give of their time for this community service project,” said Julie Palmer, director of Olivet Mission. “The protective foot coverings will help individuals who are experiencing homeless keep their feet dry, which is so important to their health, comfort and well-being. Olivet Mission is thrilled to partner with Circle the City to provide these much-needed items to make our community a better place for all.” 

Questions about Circle the City with Mercy may be directed to Karen Vander Sanden with Mercy Cedar Rapids at (319) 558-8424; Jamie Jones with Mount Mercy University at (319) 363-1323, ext.1318; or Kelsey Steines with the Catherine McAuley Center at (319) 731-0448. Inquiries about Olivet Mission may be directed to Julie Palmer at (319) 364-7946 or  julie@olivetmission.org.