Head Start Holiday Party

In the fall of 2009, one of the SSP mentors of a sophomore student proposed a service opportunity for her student and some of his classmates. The student’s mother worked in a Head Start program in Brooklyn. The mentor proposed that she and the students throw a holiday party for the children of the program. The mentor gathered donated gifts from her colleagues, wrapped them, planned food and arts and crafts for the children, and asked our boys to come and help run the party.  It was a great success and the students (of all ages) had a wonderful time. La Salle students pair up with the children and help serve them food, play with them, and help them with the arts and crafts. Sometimes, some dancing takes place as well. We have turned this into a basketball team event. The mentor’s student graduated in 2012. However, she did not want this to end, and asked that La Salle continue to partner with her. We have gone each December since 2009. It provides a bonding experience for the team as well as an opportunity to give back to the community. As is the motto in many Lasallian schools, our students should “Enter to Learn, and Leave to Serve”.  This is one more opportunity for this to happen. We are grateful to this mentor for her commitment to service and to La Salle Academy.