For the past 50 years, Holy Spirit School in Annandale not
only has provided its students a program of academic
excellence steeped in the traditions of the church but also
has cultivated in them a spirit of giving back to the
community. Starting with the first day of school each year,
students at Holy Spirit participate in numerous service
projects. Whether it is going to weekly Mass with their "Mass
buddies" or creating pinwheels in honor of World Peace Day,
students demonstrate that God is calling them to be His
disciples.
In October, the school conducted its annual "Ton of Love"
food drive for Christ House in Alexandria, collecting more
than 2,500 food donations. In addition, students participated
in their first annual "Turkey Shoot," raising more than $350
to purchase grocery store gift cards to benefit Catholic
Charities.
Recently, Holy Spirit School joined with the Annandale
Christian Community for Action so middle school students
could volunteer in the child development center. Twice a
month Holy Spirit students spend time in the preschool
classrooms. They help with crafts, play one-on-one,
socialize, mentor and bond with the children. Maureen Ashby,
Holy Spirit principal, said she hopes this type of
volunteering will continue.
In another schoolwide effort, students collected gently used
coats for needy children. Meg Gillespie, school counselor,
initially brought this idea of donating coats from her
experience working with children in need at public schools.
"For many, it was their first winter coat," she said. "They
were so happy trying them on and hanging them in their
cubbies."
Students continued their outreach to children in need through
their annual Toys for Tots drive in conjunction with the
Quantico division of the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation.
Almost 700 toys were collected for local children.
By living the mission of Jesus, students at Holy Spirit
school continue to show that there is a place in this world
for faith, hope, love and good will.
Evans is Assistant Principal of Holy Spirit School in
Annandale.
ACCA volunteering
COURTESY PHOTO
Peter Epperly of Holy Spirit School in Annandale reads to
preschoolers at the Annandale Christian Community for Action.
Pinwheels for Peace
COURTESY PHOTO
Jasmine Aleman (left) and Anne Stier plant their "pinwheels
for peace" in the ground at Holy Spirit School in Annandale
in honor of World Peace Day.
Toys for Tots
COURTESY PHOTO
Patrick Becker of Holy Spirit School in Annandale is all
smiles as he donates a toy to the Marines' annual Toys for
Tots collection.