Ask many alums what their favorite Academy tradition is and “Christmas Baskets” is a frequent reply. To recall these special memories, since 2013 ASH alums have responded to the invitation to participate in the Academy’s annual appeal for Christmas baskets. And this year’s generous response was overwhelming, resulting in 63 baskets overflowing with food for needy families in the area!
Cash donations increased this year, as did deliveries of food items from a specially created Amazon registry (a total of 174 items). With nearly $1,500 in cash donations, Alumni Coordinating Council President Charla Niccoli Dziedzic ’75, along with 1972 classmates Barb Luczkowski and Ann Demling Diekemper, took to the shopping aisles, filling 15 carts with 500 pounds of potatoes, 200 pounds of oranges, 50 hams and much more.
Then, last Thursday, student elves (joyfully singing Silver Tea tunes!) helped unload three vehicles, stacking and sorting items for the Fourth Annual Alumni Christmas Basket Gathering. With about 30 alums in attendance —each bringing their own items, from Oreos to crackers to candy canes —the 50 pre-purchased laundry baskets were quickly filled to the brim. However, there was just one problem … there was still more food!
Sturdy boxes were found to supplement the baskets, bringing the total to 63—an impressive increase over previous years’ efforts. “I am awed and humbled by the generous Children of the Sacred Heart at this Academy named after God’s Heart!” said Sister Glavin.
Once the baskets were packed, alums enjoyed snacks, beverages and plenty of Christmas cheer and Sacred Heart camaraderie! Many alums returned the following day for the all-school Christmas Basket Mass and were thrilled to see the impact of their generosity. As Barb DuBois, mother of Emily ’03 and Ryan ’00 commented, “The Christmas Basket Giving and Mass is one of our fondest memories of ASH. Merry Christmas to all and keep up God’s work!”
[nggallery id=247]
