Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Ahead of a severe winter storm, Mercy Academy senior Lily Sumner dedicated her time on January 3 to deliver over 130 "homeless kits" to St. Vincent de Paul's Shelby Park campus. Sumner is the founder of "Wrapped in God's Warmth," a non-profit organization that collaborates with schools to gather donations for those in need.

The organization was established by Sumner in 2017 when she was a sixth grader at St. Rita School. Its mission is to restore human dignity and hope to individuals experiencing homelessness, according to Sumner.

Each kit contains essential items such as blankets, socks, hand warmers, flashlights, hats, and water bottles. The kits are tied with a string and include a prayer card. Many students contributed personalized prayers and Bible verses aimed at inspiring hope.

Sumner describes this initiative as a "calling" and considers it "some of the most fulfilling work." She expressed gratitude for her own life circumstances: “I was given such an amazing life. I’ve had the best home life I could ask for,” she said.

However, she acknowledges that many people face significant struggles: “There are people out there that are really struggling,” she said. “Some of those people think they are forgotten.”

Sumner hopes the kits will provide recipients with "hope and comfort" and encourage them to "look to God for answers." Additionally, she wishes the kits serve as reminders of their human dignity: “I hope they know they are loved,” she said.

This year, Wrapped in God's Warmth collaborated with several Catholic high schools including Assumption High School, Mercy Academy, Sacred Heart Academy, DeSales High School, Trinity High School, and one elementary school, St. Rita School, to collect donations.

Looking ahead, Sumner plans to attend the University of Louisville in the fall and intends to expand partnerships with schools in neighboring counties next year.