Holiday cheer can be found in the hallways at St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point. In addition to the Christmas program, beautiful Christmas artwork, and festival hallway decorations, the students could also see the food that they collected for the student-council sponsored food drive.
All of the food and hygiene items collected were divided between Sojourner Truth House in Gary and God’s Groceries, St. Mary’s own food pantry. Elaine Hein, leader of God’s Groceries, said, “The outpouring of support from the school community is fantastic! We are so blessed to be able to help many families this holiday season.”
Principal Tom Ruiz, Megan Henry, Grace McIntyre, Luca Trajkovski, Sommer Branigin, Oliva Cruz, Uriel Reys, Lorelai Bronson, Gabe Castillo, Evie Devries, Michelle Sarabia, Mary Skinner after making a deliver to the Sojourner Truth House in Gary.
Seventh grade representative Sommer Branigin had the idea to do a class competition where each class worked to collect 200 items. Seventh grade student council representative, Evie DeVries said, “The food drive was a success! There were so many donations each day, especially the last day. I can’t wait to participate again next year!” Student Council president, Lorelai Bronson, added, “it felt good to help others during this special time of year.”
The students enjoyed collecting the food and helping sort the 3,553 items. For the students and teachers, the annual food drive is a reminder of what truly matters during the Christmas season: helping others and spreading God’s love.
Uriel Reyes and Lorelai Bronson pack a cart at the Sojourner Truth House in Gary.
Students filled the halls with food items to be distributed at Christmas time.
St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point offers grade levels Junior Pre-K (for three-year-olds) through grade eight. St. Mary’s faculty teaches a rich curriculum supported by cutting-edge technology. Faith, Academic Excellence, Life Lessons, and Compassion are the pillars of the school. Students in all grades are provided with opportunities to help others by way of service projects. St. Mary School will offer Open House events in January for prospective familie. To learn more about St. Mary’s School visit stmarycp.org/school.