In a heartwarming display of community spirit and compassion, students from St. Bernard School teamed up with the parish to provide Thanksgiving food baskets for 50 families in need. “This has been a tradition for many years and is a wonderful way for students to participate in an act of service,” said Amanda Thomas, school administrative assistant.
For weeks leading up to the holiday, donations adorned the school’s entrance, serving as a visual representation of the community’s commitment to supporting their neighbors. Students and parishioners generously contributed an array of non-perishable goods, from traditional Thanksgiving staples to everyday pantry items. Hundreds of items filled the tables as classes competed to see who could bring in the most items.
On Friday, November 17, the 3rd-grade students in Mrs. Lamm’s and Mrs. Shellenberger’s classes partnered with the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) members to assemble the carefully curated baskets. Before beginning, Fr. Adam said a blessing for all of the families that were going to be receiving a basket. He also thanked all of the people who helped make this project a success.
Under the guidance of NJHS mentors, the 3rd-grade students then took on the responsibility of organizing and packing the baskets. In addition, some volunteers from the St. Bernard Outreach Ministry helped as well. Laughter and camaraderie filled the hallway as they worked side by side to complete their “grocery list” for the basket. For a finishing touch, the 3rd-grade students colored a card for each family and placed it inside. This collaboration not only showcased the power of teamwork but also instilled important values of empathy and community service in the young minds involved.
“It felt really good to be able to help families who don’t have food. It was also really fun getting to fill the baskets and work together as a team,” said Jasiel, a third-grade student in Mrs. Shellenberger’s class.
Principal David Gusloff commended the students and the community, stating, “This initiative exemplifies the spirit of giving that defines our school and parish. It’s heartwarming to witness our students, from the youngest to the oldest, working together to make a positive impact on the lives of others during this special time of year.”
The baskets were then delivered that afternoon to the 50 families. In the days that followed, letters of gratitude flooded into the main office. “God bless all the people who donated items for the food baskets; my family and I are beyond thankful for your generosity,” and “Thank you for the food basket my children and I received. We are very grateful for all the support that the St. Bernard community has given us,” were just some of the messages that were received.
This heartwarming collaboration between 3rd-grade students and NJHS members not only provided tangible assistance to those in need but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength that emerges when a community joins together with a common purpose—to spread joy and gratitude during the season of Thanksgiving. Together, we can make a difference!
St. Bernard Catholic School (PK3-8) is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school with open enrollment serving preschool students and elementary students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. St. Bernard provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.