Day of Service

As Ignatian Week 2018 came to a close the middle school students spent time throughout the day completing different grade level service projects.

Sixth graders were tasked to bring in items such as coloring books, crayons, stickers and small stuffed animals that were used to assemble care kits which will be donated to Sofia’s Hope. The organization, in turn, will distribute the care kits to families of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients. “The purpose of the kits is to provide these parents with some tools to help them gain some control (even if it is perceived) over their lives and face their new reality,” said Marta Blanco, founder of Sofia’s Hope who spent the day on Thursday with the students explaining her work.

Seventh graders collected items to assemble toiletry kits for the homeless. Hundreds of kits were assembled with essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste shaving cream, deodorant, etc. The assembled kits will be delivered to Camillus House. Additional items such as shorts, socks, energy bars, water bottles and caps were also collected for the organization to distribute.

Eighth graders were asked to bring loaves of bread, sliced cheese and ziplock bags. The ham was donated through the help of freshman Michael Mestre and his family who are involved in the homeless ministry of their parish. Students assembled hundreds of sandwiches which will be distributed to the hungry through Missionaries of Charity. Before preparing the sandwiches the students prayed for those who will be eating them. “You will never know if this was the only meal of the day for the person who receives the sandwich you just made now” said Mr. Matthew Jordan ’08 to a group of students. “This isn’t about hearing the words ‘thank you’ it’s about service for others and not expecting anything in return.”

"The generosity of our students and their parents was just overwhelming. They, along with their teachers, saw a need and were moved to serve. This is what being "Men for Others" is all about. Today was a grace-filled day! I hope our students never forget it - I know I won't" said Mrs. Patty Bustamante, Assistant Principal of the Middle School.

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