Our students take an active role of giving their time, talents and treasure in the community. From filling the shelves of the Food Pantry to helping provide a brighter Christmas for families in need, our children learn to walk with Jesus and give of themselves to others.
Mission Childhood Association
The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) was founded in France in 1843 by Bishop Charles de Forbin Jansen. Its purpose is to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission diocese through the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Today it is in 110 countries and helps make Jesus known to children all over the world. Under its banner “children helping children”, monies raised through schools are directed towards self-help programs involving the building of schools, the provision of health and nutrition programs and medications, school fees, and teaching and learning resources. Each fall, the students of Holy Family School participate in the Mission Childhood Association fund drive. Students are encouraged to do extra chores around their homes or make small sacrifices in order to raise money to be donated to the missions. During the Lenten season, students are asked again to sacrifice and give a little money from their own pocket in order to support MCA.
Holy Family Church Food Pantry
The Holy Family Church Food Pantry is open once a week to assist those in need within our parish neighborhood. The students of Holy Family School bring food items to every Mass, which are presented before the altar at offertory. In addition to stocking the HF Food Pantry, additional food drives are held to fill baskets at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Baby Layette Items for Mosaic
During Catholic Schools Week in January, the students host a “Baby Shower for Jesus.” Students are encouraged to bring in baby layette items – bottles, blankets, onesies, pacifiers, baby towels, toiletries, etc. The items are then placed into baskets for new mothers and babies who use the services of Mosaic Pregnancy Center, a center that provides resources to mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Sock it to Cancer – Kellsie’s Hope
Annually, the students take part in the Kellsie’s Hope “Sock it to Childhood Cancer” campaign. The Kellsie’s Hope “Sock it to Childhood Cancer” campaign supports the Marchbank Family’s mission to increase childhood cancer awareness and find a cure for childhood cancer, following the death of their child Kellsie. Yellow socks are provided to school children to collect spare change for a month. The kids can decorate their socks any way they like. All of the money collected is donated to help fund pediatric cancer research.
Billie’s Kids Christmas Celebration
The late Mrs. Billie Schuler was a member of Saint Margaret Mary Parish and a very active and involved parent when her seven children attended our school. More than 25 years ago, Mrs. Schuler began the Children’s Christmas Party when she served as president of the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce. The project has since become affiliated with the Tri-Cities Area Division of the United Way. Recipients are identified through local schools and the United Way. The students of Holy Family School participate in this worthwhile endeavor of providing Christmas gifts and clothing for those in need by making sacrifices, doing extra chores, and bringing their contributions to school to fill a Christmas stocking. In addition, each class does special in-school projects to raise funds. Students are welcome to volunteer and help out at the Annual Billie’s Kids Christmas Party held in early December.
Volunteerism
Our students are encouraged to share their time and talents with the community. Students in the Select Choir and St. Dominic Savio Singers Choir entertain audiences with Christmas Carols each December at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall and the Golden Agers Dinner. Members of the HFS Student Council serve the parish as volunteers at a number of parish events, including Happy Birthday Jesus Party, Anointing Mass & Dinner, Respect for Life Luncheon, and Golden Agers Dinner.