The Saint Joseph High School H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Endure) Club is a club dedicated to serving the less fortunate in the South Bend community. The club is moderated by teachers Jennifer Firestone and Catherine Swick, who also have the assistance of an amazing group of seniors that take a leadership role over their younger peers. There is a large group of student members that are a part of the club, attend the meetings, and help in the efforts to serve the community.
Throughout the year, H.O.P.E members participate in food drives, fundraisers, and many other small but impactful service opportunities. Their most recent event took place on Friday, October 3rd, where they held a bake sale at the Saint Joseph High School football game. Members of the club baked items such as muffins, cookies, cupcakes, and brownies, which were sold for $2 each. The bake sale raised $500 which will be put towards those in need this holiday season.
The club’s next and largest event will be the annual Thanksgiving food drive, which has been done for 75 years at Saint Joe. They will kick off the fundraiser on October 9th at the All School Mass, where Firestone and Swick, two student leaders, and Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw will talk about the importance of the cause. Saint Joe students will make donation pledges as goals for how much they will donate. These pledges will be collected by their fifth period teachers from the 23rd to the 30th of October. The money that is gathered will be used to make boxes full of food for a Thanksgiving meal, and is then distributed on November 24th to those who cannot afford a nice meal on their own.
Large acts of service like the ones shown by the H.O.P.E club really reflect the values of Saint Joe High School. “Serve with Joy” is a pillar the school follows that is commonly emphasized and practiced by staff and students. This service helps not only those in need, but also helps in uniting the students to each other as a community. “It’s a great way for us to come together as a community of Saint Joseph High School to help South Bend,” says senior leader of the club Alex Choinacky, in reference to the Thanksgiving food drive. The H.O.P.E members’ willing desire to help the community out of nothing but love and care for the less fortunate is an excellent example of the school’s motto of service with joy.
The club is always welcoming new members, but if unable to join, these admirable donations are greatly appreciated. I strongly advise students to participate in serving the community, whether that is joining the club, giving a $10 donation, or giving a $50 donation. This holiday season, consider offering anything you can to those who are less fortunate and help them endure during difficult times.
