Catholic school student’s self-assigned project makes an impact

A fifth grade Catholic School student in Omaha decided to give himself a pretty big homework assignment. Joey M., student at St. Wenceslaus, approached his parents wanting to do something good for the community facing COVID-19.

He typed up flyers to put in neighbors’ mailboxes asking for food.

How’d he come up with the idea?

“I did this because of what I learned at St. Wenceslaus about the Golden Rule-to treat everyone how you want to be treated. I get to eat daily, but some less fortunate do not get fed daily. I wanted to do all that I could to help others in this unprecedented time,” Joey said.

Joey then collected the food from nearby driveways.His neighbors were supportive with donations, and the family estimated he collected 50-75 pounds of food donations from his neighborhood. He was able to deliver to the Open Door Mission. He also received notes back from some in the area thanking him for his service.

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Catholic school may look different for the remainder of the year, but real work is happening. We are proud of Joey for creating this service learning opportunity for himself and others. And we’re fortunate to hear additional stories daily about how our school communities have come together at this time.

But people in the Omaha community still need help.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry in Omaha is currently receiving visits from 150-200 households per day and is extremely low on food right now. Donations of cash or food staples (canned fruit, vegetables, soups, pasta, beans, rice, cereals, etc.) would be most appreciated.

Please bring food items to the pantry at 2101 Leavenworth St. on Mondays or Wednesdays between 8:00 and 10:00 am or donate here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx…

Distribution days are still Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am to 12:30pm. Only 10 volunteers can be scheduled at a time, so if you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteers@svdpomaha.com to be scheduled to help.

If you or someone you know is interested in a Catholic education experience, our schools are still open virtually to learn more.