St. Vincent's Catholic Schools Week "Day of Service"

As part of Catholic Schools Week activities, Saint Vincent Martyr School, Madison, NJ included “A Day of Service”. Because COVID prevented the students from being on site with many organizations, they looked for other ways to volunteer on their Day of Service. In the past some of the students have volunteered at the Father English Food Pantry. So they worked with Sister Maureen Sullivan, SC, CFCS Director of Volunteers, to work out an alternate plan.

As a classroom activity, the students watched two Catholic Charities videos including Veterans Backpack Buddies and the Catholic Charities 2021 Gala presentation to 12 year old award winner, Peyton Triano.

The school said that the St. Vincent's "Day of Service" was great. The students and teachers loved the video about Peyton. As a result, a few 7th grade girls asked if they could start an After School Community Service Club to do a monthly project. Mary Beth Flanaghan, coordinator of the project, said, “I'm so happy this planted the seed! This is exactly the intention of planning our annual Day of Service - to open our students' eyes to the needs all around them.”

After the students watched the video clips, they wrote Valentine’s Day notes in Spanish. Next, they assembled (50) Grab ‘n Go Snack Bags, which will be distributed to the children of the Father English food pantry clients. Each bag included:

• Nutri-Grain Breakfast Bar

• Package of mini muffins

• Package of Cheese & Crackers

• Applesauce - individual serving, non-refrigerated

• Pudding Cup (individual serving in plastic containers, non-refrigerated) with spoon

• 2 packets of Fruit Snacks

• Chocolate Milk- juice box size, non-refrigerated

• Mini water bottle

• Valentine's Day note in Spanish

Mary Beth Flanaghan delivered the bags to Sister Maureen at the Father English Pantry  and they were distributed on Valentine’s Day. Sister Maureen said, “The gift bags were so thoughtful and will definitely brighten the children’s faces for Valentine’s Day. The students at Saint Vincent’s have always contributed to those in need. It is a reflection of the spirit of the school and parish. We are sure these thoughtful Valentine packets will bring joy and happiness to all those who receive them.”

It was truly heartwarming Valentine event.