Serra:

The season of giving is truly embodied at Serra High School. Every year, Padres participate in numerous service projects that serve the community at large. One that stands out the most is the Adopt-A-Family program which is led by the Campus Ministry Department. The project collects gifts for underprivileged and at-risk families for the Christmas season. This year, Serra High School has adopted 21 families through the Redwood City Catholic Worker House as well as The Healing Well in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. Classes, clubs and teams adopt families and then gather gifts to donate to their families and share their stories to raise awareness.

“This program is to bring that holiday spirit to those who don’t have the joy of experiencing it,” said Meave Ward, Christian Service and Justice Coordinator. “It is always great to see how generous our community is every holiday season.”

Notre Dame:

Bridget Phillips, Co-President of the Moms Club, explains, “…I match the families with families through Notre Dame communities, and then I send a set of instructions to the Notre Dame family to say… here’s your family, this is the address, these are the ages of everyone in the family…and the genders… and please reach out to the family and see exactly what the family needs most, whether it be clothes, food, items for the house and then whatever the Notre Dame family can afford to give.”

Mercy:

Marina Giuntoli ‘25, Co-President of the Mercy Media Club, states, “…To celebrate the holiday season, Mercy organizes a Drive & Dine fundraiser to benefit children in need…families are given the opportunity to pre-order delicious meals ready to heat and serve…when orders are picked up at Mercy, students and parents are encouraged to drop off a new and unwrapped toy…the toys are donated to the Central County Fire Department’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive…this annual holiday event is very significant because it makes a difference within our community by spreading hope and happiness for children in San Mateo County…and the gift of a new toy brightens their holiday season!”