May 16, 2024
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Joliet students bring holiday cheer to residents of care centers, foster kids

JCA student organizations work together to make and send cards

By Denise M. Baran-Unland
Joliet Catholic Academy senior Hope Daga, who wrote cards to several children, said in a news release from JCA, “We thought this could brighten someone’s day who may not be used to the same Christmas traditions we get to experience with our families. By performing Christian service hours, we get rewarded through the appreciation of others. I’ve loved my time at JCA whether its volunteering to write cards, working the NHS food pantry, or working alongside Habitat for Humanity.”

Joliet Catholic Academy senior Hope Daga, (pictured), who wrote cards to several children, said in a news release from JCA, “We thought this could brighten someone’s day who may not be used to the same Christmas traditions we get to experience with our families. By performing Christian service hours, we get rewarded through the appreciation of others. I’ve loved my time at JCA whether its volunteering to write cards, working the NHS food pantry, or working alongside Habitat for Humanity.” (Photo provided)

This Christmas season, Joliet Catholic Academy’s National Honor Society, Accepting Cultural Diversity Club (ACDC), and Student Council combined efforts to bring Christmas cheer through a “Merry Messages” campaign. JCA students created just over 1,500 handmade Christmas cards for residents of local nursing/care centers.

Ariana Arteaga, a freshman student form Troy Middle School and St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield parish, created 75 cards on her own.

JCA counseling department secretary Holly Scordo was instrumental in coordinating the project between multiple student organizations. JCA students in National Honor Society were responsible for 135 cards delivered this week to residents of Sunny Hill Nursing Home.

Kisha Cameron, director of diversity and inclusion at JCA, partnered with students in JCA’s ACDC and Joliet based “Project Me” to deliver over 100 Christmas cards to area children in foster care awaiting adoption, a process that has been halted due to COVID-19.

NHS also spearheaded a “Senior to Senior” pen pal project. This partnership with Will County Senior Services saw fifteen JCA seniors partnered with fifteen senior citizens, providing them letters during the Christmas season.

For more information visit jca-online.org.