Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Students at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Orlando engaged in a service project this Advent season, reflecting the spirit of Christmas through giving. Collaborating with One Heart for Women and Children, each class from Pre-k3 to eighth grade "adopted" a child in need to brighten their holiday.

Sixteen classes sponsored 16 children, aligning each child's age with that of the students in the homeroom. Names and wish lists were provided by the organization, leading to a week-long collection effort where students and families gathered gifts such as video games, books, board games, clothes, and gift cards.

The National Junior Honor Society was instrumental in managing the collection and preparing the gifts for delivery. On December 11th, representatives from One Heart for Women and Children collected the wrapped donations.

Lisa Bobowicz, a fifth-grade teacher and NJHS advisor stated, “The students and families of St. Charles believe the true spirit of Christmas is not about receiving but about giving to those who need it most.”

First-grade teacher Tammy Dorazio shared her experience: “The children and parents loved bringing the gifts in for Heather, the 6-year-old girl we sponsored. The parents especially appreciated being able to talk at home about helping others in our community.”

This initiative exemplifies service within Catholic schools across the diocese. Principal Jamie Rodriguez expressed that “this project truly brought our community together in the spirit of giving. Seeing our students light up knowing they made a difference in the lives of children just like them is a reminder of the joy and hope we can spread when we come together as one family.”