Yesterday afternoon, several of our 8th grade students stayed after school to work on assembling “Brian Bags” –  special care kits designed with members of the local homeless community in mind.  A special mission of Mrs. Donna Finneran (who has been to our school on numerous occasions to speak with our students) and using supplies purchased by our local Knights of Columbus, the students completed 150 bags.

Donna is the founder of the Brian O’Connell Homeless Project, a ministry she began several years ago after the tragic death of her twin bother.  Her brother, Brian O’Connell, began suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and homelessness as a result of witnessing the events of 9/11 while working in NYC.  Donna always reminds that every homeless person is someone’s loved one and are deserving of our respect and compassion.

For families that requested a bag (or few bags) those will be coming home today with students today.

As always, we wish to emphasize when handing out the bags, please use the phrase, “Can you use a hand up today?” This helps your intended recipient maintain their dignity when accepting your offer of help.

Here are some pictures from yesterday’s service activity: