With the holiday season underway, most people are thinking about family parties, plates of flavorful food, and piles of presents, but these privileges are often taken for granted. Although it is easy to get lost in the holiday havoc, it is also important to remember the true meaning of the season: showing appreciation by helping others.
The annual Thanksgiving food drive at Marist has concluded, but the Christmas Drive organized by Marist Youth allows students to continue giving to those less fortunate.
“We will be collecting gift-cards and monetary donations for Christmas Without Cancer,” says campus minister Ms. Megan Coffey. “Perhaps students may want to offer up a few dollars of their own money or buy a gift-card to add to our school contribution.”
Marist Youth provides many service opportunities as well and students are more than welcome to attend.
“On December 8, we will be making sandwiches for the organization Almost Home in the cafeteria,” says Coffey. “On December 10, we’ll be going to St. John de la Salle to set up a holiday activity for their after-school program.”
Even a simple act of kindness can go a long way.
“You can talk to students who are sitting alone or invite them to your table,” says campus minister Ms. Colleen Coyne.
Opportunities to give back aren’t limited to the cafeteria.
“Work hard at all things big and little — chores, homework, taking care of parks, donating time and or goods or money to local charities or pantries,” says religion teacher Mr. Joseph Fedinec.
“You can help elderly or handicapped neighbors with decorations, snow removal, leaves, or furniture moving,” says Coyne.
Giving back through service is part of the Marist mission.
“We are agents of justice and change. Donating our time allows us to come together as a community and live out our Marist values,” says religion teacher Mrs. Kathleen Greenan.
Students can also express appreciation through their faith.
“If you have a chance to pray to start your class, perhaps you can show gratitude for your school, classmates, teachers, and general thanksgiving for your school blessings through your prayer,” says Coffey.
Many members of the Marist community have their own unique ways of showing selflessness.
“My family and my church do a lot of donations, so I’m part of the children’s group that helps with donations there,” says freshman Lilah Graham.
“I love giving back to others in need. I often give back to the community by donating toys and gifts to those less fortunate than us,” says freshman Mikey Hidermann.
By giving back through service, students are following in the footsteps of Saint Marcellin Champagnat.
“When we think of others and we think of their needs, that’s exactly what the Marist charism is calling us to do,” says Coffey. “Saint Marcellin saw that there were needs in his community, and he’s asking us to do the same.”
