The National Junior Honor Society chapters at three local Catholic schools are hosting schoolwide food drives this month to benefit local food pantries and outreach centers in their communities.
NJHS chapters at Holy Family School in Dale City, St. Francis of Assisi School in Triangle and St. William of York School in Stafford are participating.
The school that collects the most donations and goods will have the honor of winning the local and newly established Saint Vincent de Paul Award for Assisting the Poor and Vulnerable. All food collected will go to each school’s local food pantry.
Organizers said the good-natured competition will not only benefit the needy within the local communities but will also reinforce to students Catholic social teaching. That calls for a preferential option for vulnerable individuals who experience poverty, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of those most marginalized and prioritizing their well-being especially in the summer months when donations dip.
The competition runs through May 30. Schools will count donations to determine the winner, with principals announcing the results to their school communities June 2.
