“The Joys Of Giving During The Advent Season”

   This year at St. John Neumann, the students decided to help those in need by organizing an Advent Food Drive.  They had a different designated food item every day to bring in for a week.

   The Twelve Days of Service food items included canned fruit, boxes of cereal, ketchup and mustard, peanut butter, canned cranberry sauce, boxed dessert mixes, boxed crackers, boxed pancake mix, spaghetti sauce, boxed pasta, canned soup, and canned veggies.

   The students ended up bringing in a lot of donations and volunteers from different grades of the school unloaded the donations at the United Churches of Lycoming County’s Food Pantry.  In addition to unloading the food at the Pantry, the volunteers cleaned and stocked the shelves.

   Neumann’s Director of Religious Formation, Andrew McCarroll, organized the drive.  When asked what inspired the Food Drive, McCarroll said, “For Advent, we prepare for Christmas and gifts.  What better way to give back to our community than by giving them the joy of Christmas as well?”

   The Food Drive was a success, and it was truly an experience to be able to give back to the community and help those in need.