Food. Coats. Blankets. Pennies.
Those words are synonymous with Central Catholic’s Week of Giving, an annual drive to collect donated goods for those in need in the Portland area. This year the school had to adapt and pivot due to COVID-19. With extensive planning from faculty and staff, donations from hundreds of families, and dedicated time from volunteers, Central Catholic went above and beyond to make the Week of Giving the most impactful yet.
The Week of Giving started with an extensive sign-up process and establishment of protocols to ensure a safe environment for all families who were donating and volunteering. Within a few days of launching the sign-ups, nearly all slots to donate and volunteer were filled –– a sign that the school community was eager to help others and get involved.
Throughout the week, students and families dropped off donated items each day and volunteers worked to collect and sort donations and pack food boxes. All items went to organizations in the Portland metro area serving populations in need, including St. André Bessette Parish and Catholic Charities of Oregon. Additionally, Central Catholic partnered with more than 20 schools, organizations, and parishes to provide food boxes for the people they serve.
At the end of the week, the final tallies of donated items were staggering:
20,000 food items
900 food boxes assembled and delivered
700 coats
200 blankets
1,900 pairs of socks
$9,500 raised
200 giving tree gifts
While the annual Week of Giving looked different this year, one thing remained the same: Central Catholic remains steadfast in dedication to help those in need.
Central Catholic High School
2401 SE Stark St.
Portland 97214
503-235-3138
info@centralcatholichigh.org
centralcatholichigh.org
Grades: nine-12
Enrollment: 815
Tuition: $16,051
Tuition assistance is available
Applications due: Jan. 15