...AND NOW

In early November, Dowling Catholic students kicked off the annual Christmas Basket service project. DCHS is proud to carry on the tradition of helping families in need during the Christmas season.

Today, Christmas Baskets is one of the largest school-wide service projects at DCHS. The project is led by the senior class which enlists the help of students in all grade levels as well as their families, faculty and staff, and the greater community.

Each family receives a “Christmas Basket” which includes groceries, toiletries, household items, clothing and other gifts. Capital City Fruit generously donates the produce each year, and Two Men and a Truck provides the boxes for the deliveries. The Art Club also contributes every year, making a monetary donation and creating hand-painted ornaments for each family.

A portion of the monetary donations from faculty and staff also receives matching gift support each year thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

The project concludes with the Candlelighting prayer service before the seniors go out into the community to make deliveries to their families. Thanks to their hard work and outstanding leadership, DCHS students were able to help make Christmas brighter for 98 families. In addition to the baskets, students were also able to deliver $6,000 in gift cards to help families at Holy Family School.

“With regards to Christmas Baskets, I don’t think there is anything we do that is a better example of what is good and right at Dowling Catholic,” said Jeff Ferguson, a teacher and director of student activities who has been leading the project for more than thirty years. “Christmas Baskets best exemplifies faithful, caring and dedicated. I couldn’t be more honored or thankful that I get to be a part of this caring project with such a faithful and dedicated community. Thank you to everyone.”