As the holiday season is here, many people look for ways to bring cheer to those less fortunate. While this could be donations, prayer, or entertainment, this season, JC encouraged the community to bring in various kinds of items for the annual Thanksgiving drive.
During the week of November 4, all students brought in bags and boxes of food. All food that was collected was given to Harford County food pantries to benefit those in need.
The food drive is an annual event, and all students were encouraged to bring in at least 10 food items. To provide more options, the food the students were asked to bring was divided by grade level.
Freshmen brought in spaghetti sauce, pasta, and Spaghetti-O’s. Sophomores donated canned meats, beans, fruits, and vegetables, in hopes of giving others a brighter holiday season.
Juniors were urged to bring in Hamburger Helper boxes, rice, stuffing, and instant mashed potatoes. Lastly, the task for seniors was to collect boxed cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, peanut butter, and jelly which would provide families with a variety of options to eat.
Students brought their donations to their Advisories each day of the week.
Service Learning Coordinator Kristen Brown was impressed by the school’s contributions this year. “Part of our mission as a Catholic school is to instill in students a love for God and our neighbor and help each member of our community realize the dignity within ourselves and others.”
She added, “Through the Thanksgiving Food Drive, participants recognize their role as stewards of God’s blessings, entrusted to share them with others. We see how acts of kindness can be a light in someone’s life, reinforcing the value of living out love and faith.”
Mrs. Brown shared that the JC community collected over 4,800 items and $441 in cash (used for grocery store gift cards).”
Mrs. Brown is aiming for 100% participation next year, and all years following, because service aligns with the Mission of The John Carroll School
Advisories who collected over 150 items:
Collins: 324, Hall: 180, Geczy: 178, Lambe: 162, Craig: 158, Baker: 152, and Vierheller: 152.
Advisories who collected at least 150 items were awarded cookies and were placed into a drawing for a Chick-fil-A breakfast. Dr. Baker’s group was the winner of that drawing. Mrs. Collins’ Advisory received a Chick-fil-A breakfast for being the top collecting Advisory.