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Feeding the hungry, one can at a time

Koorosh Malek | Bishop O’Connell Student Correspondent

The students of Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington
collected nearly 10,000 cans of soup for Catholic Charities’
Christ House in Alexandria as part of their annual soup
drive.

“It is a simple way to help the community and show our
compassion for other individuals in our area who may not be
as fortunate,” said freshman Nicholas Ozioli.

The senior class collected the most cans this year, bringing
in a total of 2,943 cans. After the final tally was
announced, students and faculty gathered on the football
field to pray a living rosary led by school chaplain Father
Gregory Thompson for those who will ultimately benefit from
the donations.

“The experience was enriching, and the moment the school
community came together in worship and a time of prayer was
very profound,” said senior Patrick Faga.

Following the rosary, student council members, accompanied by
moderators Kathryn Hogan and Cheri O’Reilly, loaded the soup
cans on a large truck to transport to Christ House. Upon
arrival in Alexandria, the students unloaded the truck and
stocked the cans in the facility’s basement pantry.

A 40-year tradition that continues to be an integral part of
the students’ commitment of service to the community, the
annual soup drive helps restock the shelves at Christ House
as they prepare for the increased demands during the holiday
and winter seasons.

“The annual soup drive is a phenomenal tradition at Bishop
O’Connell High School,” said Hogan. “For its success, it
requires the work of every single student in the O’Connell
community. It bring us all together as a group to help those
who are less fortunate – right in our backyard.”

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