Article by PhoenixOnline writer Jazmeen Osae-Kwapong
The Kellenberg community, adorned in their favorite football team’s jerseys and sweatshirts, came together to donate various non-perishable food items for the school’s Souper Bowl VI on Friday, February 6. This food drive was an immense success, and allowed the students to embrace a spirit of giving amidst the excitement and anticipation of the Super Bowl game on Sunday.
Various students contributed to the success of this event. At the beginning of the week, the football team filmed an inspiring commercial to encourage the students to donate while the Senior Spirit Committee assisted Mr. Cioffi in organizing the drive, and donations were set to be dropped off in the lobby throughout the week. By the end of the week, dozens of boxes of canned food were able to be collected, showing the service oriented nature of Kellenberg and the commitment of the students.
These donations will be distributed to two of the usual parishes and one new parish this year: a parish on the island of Jamaica. One of the nurses at Kellenberg, Etta Longly-Henry, requested for some of the donations to be sent to Jamaica as hurricane relief and aid for its citizens. She will be organizing the transport of the food as Kellenberg increases the reach of its service out of the country to the Caribbeans.
The other portion of the donations are designated for St. Barnabas and St. Agnes. Kellenberg student volunteers who are alumni of St. Barnabas have volunteered to transport the food to their alma mater while students who teach at St. Agnes through P.R.E.P. are transporting the rest of the donations to St. Agnes.
While enjoying a day of representing different football teams with sweatshirts and jerseys, the students were also reminded of the importance of helping others. Through the efforts of the generous student body, many people in need will be supported by these parishes. Mr. Cioffi expressed this sentiment, commenting, “This is one of my favorite days of the year because the students can have a fun Friday with their football gear while also giving back. The students step up and reflect the values that Kellenberg is all about.”
