December 23, 2011
St. Ben students help others at the Christmas Giving program
Students from St. Benedict School pause for a picture during their day of helping carry Christmas gifts into the Catholic Center, part of the Christmas Giving program operated by Catholic Charities. Students include Kate Meacham, Maria Belen del Valle Coello, Beth Vincek, Audra Sartore-Getty and Anna Tucker. (Message photo by Paul R. Leingang) Click for a larger version.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Marty Horning calls it “A Walk in Their Shoes” and asks students at St. Benedict School to write their thoughts about their role in helping others through the Christmas Giving program operated by Catholic Charities.
Horning is DRE at St. Benedict Cathedral.
The students helped carry in presents donated by parishes and organizations, to be picked up for the families identified by Catholic Charities.
“I would be very thankful for all the help that I would receive,” said Griffin DeVoy, if he were on the receiving end.
“I would feel embarrassed and shy because I can’t afford gifts that other people can afford,” said Matthew Ladd.
“I would be very grateful for having all these nice young teenagers to help me out,” said John Cameron.
The students, all from the eighth grade at St. Benedict, helped carry and sort the presents for 148 families, including 617 individuals.
The students were also asked how the generosity of the do-nors affected the recipients.
“I think the generosity of others makes their Christmas better,” said Libby Nunn. “It lets them see that others do care about them and want them to have the best Christmas possible.”
“I think they get a little hope and happiness with the gifts others have gotten them,” said Abby Ritterling.
Paige Pervins said the generosity of others makes a big impact when recipients see “that we’re not judging them and that we respect them and want to help them.”
“It makes me feel happy to help people,” said Sydney Kull, answering a question about how the process affected the students’ own personal Christmas.
“It shows you that you have more than you think,” said Christopher Hoefling, “and I will be more thankful for what I have.”
“Helping . . . today made me realize that Christmas isn’t just about the presents,” said Mad-ison Downing. “While I do like presents, Christmas is about being grateful for what I have — being grateful that I go to a good school, that I’m fortunate to have a home, good food, and a family — because some people don’t have that. . . . And when others aren’t as fortunate, you should take your time to help them.”