Throughout December, SJA students embraced the spirit of giving by taking part in a variety of service projects that supported both our local community and communities around the world. Their efforts brought comfort, hope, and joy to families in need—from Union County to the Philippines, Africa, and beyond.

Our  Pre-K 3 class collected over 60 new pajamas and 50 new books for the Pajama Program, benefiting families in Union County.  Pre-K 4 assembled prayer bags filled with cards and rosary beads to send to missionaries in the Philippines. Students in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade selected wish tags from the church giving tree and purchased gifts for more than 30 parish families. This year’s 4th and 5th Grade classes partnered with Heifer International to buy a sheep, goat, chicks, water buffalo, and a pig, which will help support a community in Africa. Eighth grader, Vincent Nativo,  led a toy drive for Santa’s Toy Drive 2024, collecting more than 50 new toys. The National Elementary Honor Society kicked off a crayon drive in collaboration with The Crayon Initiative, benefiting children’s hospitals across the United States—many of which serve cancer patients or children with serious illnesses. Lastly, the SJA National Junior Honor Society created “no-sew” blankets for New Jersey residents who do not have permanent shelter.

We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication to serving others. Their collective efforts demonstrated the spirit of Advent.