It’s that time of year again! It’s December, and Nazareth is full of the Christmas spirit of giving!

This year the Christmas Drive sponsored by Service Team and Campus Ministry kicked off on November 28th. This annual drive has become a staple of Nazareth service as students and faculty alike look forward to this season each year. Assistant Campus Minister Mrs. Rausch says, “I’m so excited for Christmas Time! It’s important to be reminded about the reason for the season: celebrating Jesus’ birth. And what other way is there to celebrate than to give back to those less fortunate?”

Unlike the Thanksgiving drive where students are asked to bring specific items, homerooms are given many different opportunities to participate. Service Team representatives go to each classroom and offer students the option of giving cash donations to Taller de Jose, a gift tag from the St. Cletus Giving Tree, a board game for Hodgkins School students, or a toy for Catholic charities. Homerooms are free to decide which cause to give their time and money to.

Taller de Jose is a resource center located in Chicago for men, women, and children seeking assistance. The center helps those dealing with domestic abuse, addiction, homelessness, and sickness among others.

The St. Cletus Giving Tree gift tag program is open to men, women, and children of all ages. People are able to request for items to address specific needs.

The Hodgkins School students filled out their wish lists for board games. Board games are perfect for children as they engage students in communication skills, and they stimulate conversation between the children themselves and their family members. Board games are also being donated to children at Caring Place for Kids.

The Christmas Drive came to a close on December 12th and proved to be successful with numerous toy and monetary donations. Thank you to all who donated!