Refugee Backpack Prayer Service

The backpack drive was one of Sr. Dorothy's legacies. We were very happy that she was able to attend the prayer service.

We blessed the backpacks at morning assembly.

The Art Room was full of donations that would make any refugee feel welcomed.

Mrs. Findlay volunteered her time to help the students organize all of the donations that came in.

Our Team of Backpack Packers.

ST. JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO SCHOOL
PUTS BACKPACKS TOGETHER TO WELCOME REFUGEES TO THE UNITED STATES

By Cecilia, Grade 7

On November 11, 2005, St. Joseph's reached out to those in need. Our students brought in many useful items, such as toothpaste, flashlights, and socks with the encouragement from students McKenzie and Teresa (Student Council). The girls then stuffed backpacks with the donated items until the backpacks were fit to burst.

At morning assembly, Coleen, a representative from Catholic Charities, came to visit the school. She spoke to the students about refugees coming to America, and how nice it was to be welcomed with a backpack full of goodies. With her came Gabriel, a refugee who recently immigrated here from Sudan in Africa.

Then, everyone from the kindergartners to the teachers raised their right hands in blessing over the backpacks. We prayed that the refugees who received these backpacks would feel safe and welcome here in the U.S. We prayed that they would find our backpacks helpful, and that they would enjoy their contents. McKenzie, Teresa, Mr. Steve Do (Religion Coordinator), Coleen, Gabriel, and various other students who helped pack the backpacks gathered together to take a picture. We hope that the backpacks are now helping refugees in the United States.