Thanks, Montini, for a successful food and gift drive!
After completing a very successful Golden Gobbler Food Drive in November (hosted by the Student Government team), Montini Catholic students began 'phase 2' of their annual "Season of Giving" - with their Adopt-A-Family gift drive.
Each year Montini Catholic students, under the guidance of the Lasallian high school's Campus Ministry, 'adopt' several local families with the goal of giving them a very Merry Christmas by providing much needed items (clothing, hats, gloves) as well as toys and gifts. In late November, students (via homerooms) receive wish lists informing them of the number of family members, their gender, ages, and sizes. "Most of the wish lists include simple items many of us take for granted like gloves, boots, and warm hats," said Campus Minister Mike Blanchette. Food donations from the food drive are also packaged up for each family to enjoy.
Throughout the month of December, Montini's Peer Ministry Team encourages students to donate and hosts a 'candy cane gram' drive and raffles with money going to supplement the Adopt-A-Family donations. Montini alumni were also invited to participate with gift card donations.
Representatives from St. Pius X and Christ the King's food pantries stopped by in early December to pick up donated goods to stock their pantries for the holidays with food items donated thru Montini's Golden Gobbler drive. Each year Montini collects enough donations to provide for several local pantries. This year Bronco students also donated over 2,000 gently used books to the West Suburban Community Pantry. "Many children will have a brighter Christmas and brighter future because of your (students') generosity," said Suzanne Armato, Chief Executive Officer of the pantry.
Once the donation drive, gift buying and wrapping was complete, the students were honored to have the experience of personally delivering the 'gifts' to their families. On Saturday, December 16, several families received visits!
"Montini Catholic students never cease to amaze me every year during our Season of Giving" said Campus Minister Blanchette. "Their enthusiasm for providing for families in need is so very inspiring. We are so proud of them all and know that they will take their Lasallian zeal for service out into the world beyond their time here at Montini Catholic."
Image above: l to r: Juniors Owen Berberich, Jordan Mogilinski, Natalie Gartlan, Jonathan Hayes, Nicholas Irion, Josiah James, Abby Mendez and Alyssa Ranieri participate in 'wrapping day' for their adopted families
SHARE THIS POST
