Making Christmas brighter for those who need it most, Bishop Noll Institute participated in Diocese of Gary Catholic Charities Adopt-a-Friend program. This gift drive provides adults and children in need with Christmas gifts ranging from coats and warm clothes to toys.
Campus Ministry sponsored the event at the end of the semester and on the heels of the annual food drive.
Noll’s 31 teams, which consisted of a homeroom class or group of staff members, received the name, age, sizes and wishes of an individual. The team purchased and wrapped gifts in time for them to be delivered to Catholic Charities on Dec. 20.
For many, gifts from Bishop Noll were the only real gifts they received at Christmas.
Campus Minister Stacia Bolakowski said the goal and purpose of working with Catholic Charities is to help provide Christmas for people who have no access to extra funds.
Although students and families donated non-perishable items the previous month for the Thanksgiving food drive, their spirit of giving didn’t slow down for the Adopt-a-Friend program.
“We’ve targeted in our country November and December as time to give gifts,” Bolakowski said. “Jesus tells us when we give from the utmost of our poverty, of ourselves, that’s when the best reward comes in. Not just for the people we are giving to, but also for ourselves.”
Next year, Bishop Noll is scheduled to host the gift giveaway breakfast, which typically includes visits from Santa and a catered breakfast.