Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Kelly ’26:
A total of 51,212 pounds of food was donated to the Great Ignatian Challenge.
The National Honor Society alone donated 10,000 pounds of contributions.
Kellenberg was in the spirit of giving from November 5th to the 21st as it began its participation in this massive food drive.
Kellenberg was invited to join The Great Ignatian Challenge, competing against 12 schools across the states to bring together the most food. All the food was donated to pantries Kellenberg has personal relationships with, such as Queen of Peace, Friars Suppliers, Island Harvest, St. Brigid’s, and St. Martin’s food banks.
Anna Connolly ‘25, who participated in the drive, says, “It warmed my heart to picture many families feeling God’s blessings through our efforts. It was amazing to witness the Kellenberg community come together to benefit our neighbors as close as Long Island and as far as Haiti.”
The Great Ignatian Challenge is another successful food drive in the books for Kellenberg.
Mr. Finn, a member of ARK staff, says, “I think I used a quote from Mother Teresa, ‘Do Small Things with Great Love.’ If each student could bring just 15 pounds of food, we can raise enough to make a difference for thousands of people this Thanksgiving and Christmas. And we did that.”
The lobby has been filled with tons of food these past weeks, and now thousands get to enjoy it thanks to the many who donated.
The Great Ignatian Challenge, started by Jim Rowen in 2016, is a food drive inspired by the Jesuit vocation of being “women and men for others,” as Rowen says. Kellenberg is honored to participate in this collaborative service.
