Five local charities got a boost from the students of Saint Ursula Academy who helped fill community food pantry shelves with an all-school food D.R.I.V.E. Saint Ursula’s annual COMMUNITY D.R.I.V.E. stands for Donate ~ Respond ~ Invest ~Value ~ Educate. The theme this year was SUNSHINE and the girls were asked to support the DRIVE and bring sunshine into the lives of others. 

 

As part of the process from January 18 – February 4, the students were not only asked to donate nutritious shelf-stable items, they also learned about the need in our area and about the people and organizations they are helping to support. This year, the need is greater than ever as more families find themselves needing food assistance as a result of COVID-19 job impact. 

 

Many students collected food donations in their own communities. Others called upon friends and family members to support the effort. Monetary donations assisted with purchasing fresh food items. 

 

The SUA food collection D.R.I.V.E will support those in need in the Cincinnati area through: Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, Queen City Kitchen and Open Door Ministry in Walnut Hills, St. George Food Pantry and Little Sisters of the Poor in Clifton.

 

Each grade level competed in weekly challenges based on the greatest quantity of donations, with an overall prize of a class donut breakfast at the end. Overall, the student donations filled 178 packing boxes with food. The Class of 2022 juniors stepped up and won every weekly challenge as well as the overall contest, bringing in the most food and donations. 

Juniors                        54 boxes

Sophomores                48 boxes

Freshmen                    40 boxes

Seniors                        23 boxes

 

The annual DRIVE cannot be successful without the leadership of the SUA Community Service Learning Department and the SUA D.R.I.V.E. student organizers. Special thanks to: