North Ender Raises Pennies from Heaven

By Phil Orlandella

Lifelong North End resident Barbara Maldero wants to help the poorest of poor and plans to devote her life to meet her goal as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court Ausonia 781, which raises money to fund Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s programs in support of the unborn.

For many years, Barbara has turned her charitable fervor toward “Pennies from Heaven” campaign, which this year managed to raise a record $2,000.

The money raised will be distributed to four charities, The Catholic Daughters of America, Court Ausonia 781, The Agape Orphanage in El Salvador, Valley of the Angels Orphanage of Guatemala, headed by North Ender Fr. Michael Della Pennam OFM and an orphanage now under construction in Haiti yet to be named.

Barbara founded the Saint Damien Society in 1988 that worked through Catholic Medical Mission to help supply roll bandages used to wrap the open sores of the lepers they served.

She has been chosen “Woman of the Year” by the North End Health Center for her long-standing commitment to community work.