During Advent, it’s no surprise that our Lasallian students, faculty, and families give generously of their time and resources, so that those most in need may know a more warm and blessed Christmas. Here are stories of service from some of our ministries throughout the District during Advent 2013.
Toronto, CA – Each year the De La Salle College “Oaklands” school community pulls together during the Advent season to collect money and food for a local social service agency in the downtown core of the city of Toronto. The “Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd” – a religious order dedicated to the service to the poor and marginalized run the Good Shepherd Centre. The Centre is a multi-service organization that provides 91 emergency shelter beds, serves over 1000 hot meals daily, and offers support to the homeless and those impacted by substance abuse.
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- Over 200 coats were collected for the “Out of the Cold” initiative.
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- Mr. Michel Rouselle helped organize “Oaklands'” annual food drive.
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- “Oaklands” students sort and package the thousands of donated food items.
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- “Oaklands” students sort and package the thousands of donated food items.
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- Donated to the Good Shepherd Centre, the food will help the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd serve over 1000 hot meals, daily!
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- “Oaklands” students sort and package the thousands of donated food items.
Our entire student body brings in food and money in a competitive spirit to see which class can raise the most to support the Good Shepherd Centre. This year, even the alumni community has joined in and raised over 1000 items to join in with our collection. This year’s drive is turning out to be the most successful we have had in many years. Students donate items, sort them into like categories and pack them into donated boxes to prepare them for pick up.
This year, a grade 8 student, Meghan Gipson inspired DEL to give back with the collaborative efforts of the Student Executive members. The DEL community came together to launch an “Out of the Cold” initiative designed to collect coats for local Toronto Charities. The parent community was very generous and provided over 200 coats for four local charities who will distribute to men, women, children and families in need. It is testament to how the Lasallian motto of service is always so openly embraced by the DEL Oakland’s faculty, students and parent community.
Christian Brothers Academy Peer Ministers – Pictured front row (l-r): Shannon Letourneau, Madison Henson, Erin Wind and Jessica Prucha. Back row: Alea Bonner, John Phillips, Mackenzie Griffith, Skyler Decker-Russo, Jillian Henson, Summer Mills and Mrs. Marijane Finlay, Campus Ministry Service Coordinator.
Dewitt, NY – Christian Brothers Academy Peer Ministers spread holiday cheer by decorating the Samaritan Center, Francis House and the Salvation Army. In addition, they reached out to needy children at the St. Vincent de Paul Day Care and after school program by delivering toys and winter clothes as part of this year’s Advent project.
Last month, Peer Ministers in Social Justice spoke to students during their religion classes about this year’s Advent project and the importance of giving this holiday season to the children at St. Vincent De Paul Day Care. The Peer Ministers showed a short DVD on the meaning of poverty. Many families who send their children to the day care and after school program are living below the poverty level and are not able to afford winter clothing and toys.
Each homeroom at CBA was given a list that included three names of children to provide for, along with their names, ages, sizes and wishes. The collected gifts were delivered on Monday, Dec. 16. The children were thrilled when they saw Santa (senior Deshawn Salter). Peer Ministers wore Santa or Elf hats and helped distribute the gifts.
Just seven of the many toys and gifts donated by the La Salle Institute educational community.
Troy, NY – Hundreds of toys were delivered to the Sunnyside Center in Troy for children ranging in age from 1-16 through the generosity of the La Salle Institute students, faculty, staff and families. This Annual Toy Drive continues the tradition of community service for the school, which is celebrating its 164th year.
Towson, MD – The Calvert Hall school community gathered in prayer on December 19th to celebrate our Advent Liturgy. At the Mass, presents from our annual Adopt-A-Family Drive were blessed before being delivered to over 60 families in the Baltimore area. The band and choral groups have also been spreading Christmas cheer at schools and community centers in recent weeks.
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- Calvert Hall’s Campus Ministry Staff make a list and check it twice for Adopt-A-Family
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- Thanks to CHC, over 60 families in the Baltimore area had a happy holiday.
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- Hundreds of gifts were wrapped and deliverd for CHC’s annual drive.
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- Presents from the annual Adopt-A-Family Drive were blessed before being delivered.
St. Raphael’s Lasallian Youth – Pictured from left to right, Emily Darling, Emma Mendes, Jessica DeMelo, Adrianna Wloch, Jordan Uribe, Natasha Perez, Victoria Lopes, Daniel Arteaga, Enrique Castaneda-Pineda, Ethan Mendes, Victoria Payne, and kneeling in front Michael D’Ordine and Andy Li.
Pawtucket, RI – A group of Lasallian Youth students from Saint Raphael Academy recently hosted a Christmas party at Darlington Assisted Living Center at Armistice, in Pawtucket.
Students led a Christmas activity and a Carol Sing with residents and then handed out gifts to each resident. The evening concluded with pastry and hot chocolate. The Carol Sing was coordinated by Daniel Arteaga who also accompanied the group on piano.
These Saint Raphael Students also visit with the residents at Darlington on a weekly basis and help out with activities.