Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School K-8 students made 350 bagged lunches for the formerly homeless men and women of Tampa Hope during a Lenten Retreat Service Project on March 8, 2022.
According to Admissions Director Veronica DeMicheli, “Our mission is to develop students that recognize the dignity of each individual and foster service to others.” Accordingly, Principal Teresa Caraker decided students would make lunches during the Lenten Retreat Service Project Week in fulfillment of the school mission.
The parents of the students eagerly joined together to generously donate supplies so that their children could make the bagged lunches during their Lenten Retreat. Within no time, the school had all they needed for their day of service: sandwich bread, turkey, ham, snacks, cookies, and water. DeMicheli said, “As we have figured out now and with many past projects, it truly takes a village!”
Elementary and middle school students worked together to make the ham and turkey sandwiches, snack bags, cookie bags, and prayer cards for the homeless. Primary students made the prayer cards, middle school students made the food and intermediate students then put together the bagged lunches. According to DeMicheli, “When they created the prayer cards and made/packed the lunches, the children were excited and happy.”
On reflection of the day, DeMicheli said, “Mother Teresa is our Patron Saint and the name of our school and she dedicated her life to helping the poor. We can only hope that we are making her proud.” Tampa Hope Program Director Cynthia Jones-Northington said, “Thank you Mother Teresa Catholic School, students and parents, for your loving and generous support to the formerly homeless men and women here at Tampa Hope.”
Tampa Hope provides a safe living environment for homeless individuals; providing meals, clothing, counseling and more as they work to return to the path of self-sufficiency. Learn more by clicking here! Click here to donate! If you or someone you know is in need, please call (813) 394-2881.
