Every year, Loretto Academy comes together for one purpose, which is to help those who need it the most.
From canned food on Thanksgiving, to toys on Christmas, students and staff gather things to be able to donate for a good cause.
Behind every box filled with toys or food, is a story of the Loretto community choosing to make a difference.
This year’s drives proved just how powerful our community can be when we work together.
Thanksgiving food drive
The annual Thanksgiving Food Drive collected, helping local families enjoy a holiday meal they might not have had otherwise.
Students from all grades participated, filling donation boxes faster than teachers could empty them.
Toy drive
In December, the Leap Club organizes a Toy Drive which excites all its members, filling them with holiday joy.
Brightly wrapped gifts lined the halls as students donated new toys for children in local shelters.
For many, this drive hits close to home—knowing that their kindness brings joy to a child during the holidays.
President of LEAP, Lesley Castillo said, “The toy drive is a way for our club to genuinely live out our mission of helping others, especially since LEAP is a faith-based club.”
These drives also help build a stronger sense of empathy and unity on campus.
Students get to see how small acts, buying an extra canned good, donating a gently used book, or volunteering time, can have big ripple effects.
Teachers emphasize that the purpose isn’t winning a competition, but learning the importance of helping others.
The work being done is felt far beyond our school walls.
Many families depend on these donations, and our students play a direct role in supporting them.
Each drive becomes a reminder that our community can be a source of comfort and hope.
As the school year continues, more service opportunities are on the horizon.
And if the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far is any sign, the spirit of giving at our school shows no signs of slowing down.
Because at the end of the day, charity isn’t just about the items we donate, it’s about the compassion we build, the people we help, and the community we strengthen along the way.
