Holy Name of Jesus students fill boxes with food, love

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By BETH DONZE
Clarion Herald

This morning, a hard-working crew of Holy Name of Jesus Student Council members from grades 5-7 filled more than 50 large boxes with non-perishable food donated by Holy Name’s student body.

Early next week – right before the provisions are delivered to the homes of formerly unhoused individuals assisted by Depaul USA/New Orleans – members of the St. Vincent de Paul conference based at Holy Name of Jesus Parish will add a turkey and bread to each box.

In addition to stocking the kitchens of Depaul USA’s newly housed, some of the boxes will be given to the St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. Joan of Arc Parish in New Orleans for distribution to families in need in the city’s Riverbend area.

Special additions to Holy Name’s food boxes were “Happy Thanksgiving” cards made by Lower School students, paper towels and an assortment of books suitable for every age.

“Some of (the newly housed) told us it will be the first time in their lives that they will ever cook a turkey,” said Paul Buras, leader of the SVDP conference at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, thanking the students for a job well done.

Reflecting on the experience

Before leading the group in a post-assembly prayer, Jesuit Father Mark Thibodeaux, Holy Name’s pastor, said he had seen recipients of the boxes in past years burst into tears at the sight of such bounty. Some have told the priest that they hadn’t eaten anything substantial for days.

“We throw away more food than they get to eat, so that’s why this is a really important thing that you’re doing,” Father Thibodeaux told the young helpers. “I hope doing (this work) today will make you want to do it for the rest of your life!”

Seventh grader Valentina Smith said she was imagining the facial expressions on the future recipients’ faces as she was packing the boxes.

“I really want to help out the people who can’t have a Thanksgiving like I do,” Valentina said. “I love Thanksgiving, so I’m sure other people do, too!”

“This is going to make people really happy. Thanksgiving is such a special holiday,” agreed seventh grader Juliette Amedee, Student Council president. “It’s cool that the people who receive these will get to have that feeling that I get every Thanksgiving morning.”

Seventh grader Elizabeth Koveleskie, Student Council vice president, said she felt “fortunate” that her school is able to hold a Thanksgiving food drive, even in times of economic hardship, and is able to have so many donations pour in from school families.

“Just filling the boxes, I couldn’t believe how much food we were putting in!” Elizabeth said. “I didn’t realize how much food goes into Thanksgiving dinner!”

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