The students of Holy Cross High School donated toys, clothing and food to various organizations in the Greater Waterbury area including Apple Rehab Center, Children’s Community School, St. Vincent DePaul and Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries. Community service projects take place throughout the school year; however, the call for giving back intensifies during the Christmas season. “These student-led endeavors define who we are as a community,” said Meg Dwyer ‘05, Director of Student Activities.
In November, Holy Cross’s National Honor Society (NHS) held its’ annual Turkey Drive and “Knock Out Hunger” campaign. The latter was tied in with an open basketball game. “All proceeds (from this game) went to buying a turkey,” said Caroline Flaminio ‘79, NHS Moderator. “We raised enough money to provide the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries with 30 turkeys.”
“It was eye-opening to meet disadvantaged people and to see how they live,” said Zach Monti ‘16. “Once we met them, we truly realized how much our work impacts the local community.”
Two projects dominated the month of December: The Giving Tree and Stockings for Seniors. The Giving Tree, led by Holy Cross’s Campus Ministry, is a school-wide celebration. Ornaments containing the Christmas wish lists of local children were displayed on a tree near the school’s Chapel. Students picked an ornament off the tree and bought the listed items. Gifts will be sent to the Children’s Community School. In Stockings for Seniors, the Class of 2016 created stockings for the residents of Apple Rehab Center. “Each resident gets a stocking,” said Ms. Dwyer. “The students personally deliver them to their room and spread some holiday cheer. They even sing a few Christmas carols.”
“The Holy Cross students bring so many smiles to our residents,” said Cathy Lupoi ‘86, Apple Rehab’s Director of Therapeutic Recreation. “It’s great for the students to be out and about and see what this generation has to offer.”
These community service projects are just the tip of the iceberg. Senior students launched Project Warmth, a campaign soliciting jackets to give to people in need. Sophomores collected juice, granola bars and fruit snacks for GWIM to give to local children. The 62 members of the NHS made sandwiches every Wednesday morning throughout the school year to send to local soup kitchens. Finally, students sold Candy Grams with all profits going into the Sophomore Class Fund. The Class of 2018 is currently considering what school gift they would like to leave when they graduate.