Article by Phoenix writer Brooke Oldenborg ’26:
This month Kellenberg hosted their annual Little Sisters of the Poor Drive and Rockathon which commenced on May 3 and continued collecting donations until May 10 for the elderly at Queen of Peace Residence in Queens Village.
For over 30 years Kellenberg has expressed their admiration and reverence for the sisters by hosting a drive dedicated to donating daily essentials to this community. The Kellenberg community wants to help in any way possible to better assist the sisters with their holy mission.
Kellenberg’s collection will assist the residents with toilet-trees for a full year. Kellenberg students stepped up to the challenge and donated a myriad of toilet-trees such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. These donations are brought straight to the sisters to help improve their community as much as possible. Each year Kellenberg contributes to this beautiful process to show its respect for the sisters and their mission.
Kellenberg is also extremely grateful for the Juniors involved in the CROSS program who assisted the process along the way. This event would not be so successful or meaningful if it wasn’t for their hard work. CROSS member Kate Murphy noted, “It was really nice to know that our hard work was helping so many people who we’ve met at other CROSS events.”
Over the course of the week, the drive was also promoted by a sign in the Kellenberg lobby and an inspiring video about the sisters on the morning announcements.
The Little Sisters of the Poor is an international congregation of Roman Catholic women located in Queens, NY, completely dedicated to assisting the elderly poor over 65 years of age. This wonderful community has helped many elderly in need of a comforting home.
Everyone is accepted regardless of religion, race, or ethnic background. The sisters dedicate their lives to the sick and the dying to give them the most prayerful and peaceful life possible. One elderly resident commented, “As a resident, I find my life here to be one of peace.”
The sisters care for over 70 residents in every imaginable aspect of life. When they first wake up, residents are provided physical therapy, medications, and doctors appointments if needed. The community will go on to eat, attend daily mass, and pray together every single day.
However, the Little Sisters’ charity is not limited to physical and spiritual wellness as they organize with Kellenberg the annual Junior-Senior Prom. In late April 70 Kellenberg students decorated and attended the event at the Queen of Peace Residence. According to Bro. Michael Gillen, S.M., “Students escorted the elderly for a night of conversation and dance.”
Religion Department Chairperson Mr. Basile provided dance music throughout the night.
