Diocese of Joliet Catholic schools receive donation of mops to help keep schools clean during pandemic

This Press Release was originally published by the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools. The original version can be viewed on their website.

Crest Hill, IL — Teachers and principals at Diocese of Joliet Catholic elementary schools have one less thing to ask Santa for this year.

The schools – located throughout DuPage, Will, Kendall, Grundy and Kankakee counties, received a truckload of O-Cedar ProMist MAX Spray Mops donated by Aurora’s Freudenberg Household Products, LP, December 7.

Elaine Lohse, a parent from Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Naperville – and Marketing Director for O-Cedar Cleaning Products, generously offered the donation of more than 600 mops as a way to say “thank you” to the teachers and staff who continue to work tirelessly to keep schools sanitized and open for face-to-face instruction this school year. 

“Because cleaning is so important (especially this year) and because our schools are actually in session, I wanted to donate as many mops as needed to schools in the Diocese. These mops are a great quick cleaning option for classrooms,” said Lohse. “It is truly my honor to be able to do this.”

“The teachers were so touched and grateful for the donation,” said Tricia Weis, principal at Saints Peter and Paul.

“In the midst of challenging times, this mop donation was a bright spot in a difficult year,” said Toni Miller, principal at St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard. “This gesture was so well received by the staff and means so much.”

Lohse’s husband, Tim, and his company – PuroClean, graciously delivered the mops to 23 lucky schools.

“Our gifts of mops were great! Our teachers and cleaning staff were very thankful and love how we can actually clean and not just dust mop the tile parts of the floors,” said Stacey Swanson, principal at Immaculate Conception School in Morris. “God bless the wonderful elves who delivered them to us!”

“Having these mops helps us expedite the sanitation and cleaning process here at school,” said Colleen Brodhead, principal at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in Joliet. “We are very grateful for the donations for both here at school and for our staff members’ homes.”

The 54 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Joliet are open for face-to-face instruction this year with health and safety measures such as masks, social distancing, wellness checks and ongoing sanitizing in place. Seats are still available in select grades at most schools and enrollment remains open. Find a school near you at WeTeachMore.org.

Elaine (left) and Tim (right) Lohse, parents at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Naperville, delivered a donation of mops to Principal Tricia Weis (center) and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Joliet on December 7, 2020. More than 600 mops, worth more than $16,000, arrived at schools from Freudenberg Household Products.

Teachers from St. Joseph Catholic School in Lockport display their mops in a classroom.

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in Joliet Administrative Assistant Dawn DeMoor (left) and School Secretary Robin Ambrosia (right) shared their appreciation for the mop donation. Food Service Coordinator Ginger Dudek didn’t waste any time putting the mop donation to good use.