St. Jude School Students and Seniors Make New Friends

Recently, a group of students from and a number of members of the enjoyed an afternoon of bingo and refreshments. The winning adults were rewarded with homemade bread and lucky students were given Hershey kisses, but everyone was a winner this day.

The St. Jude students and members of the Senior Center rotated partners so they all got to know one another. St. Jude third grade student Jackie O'Brochta said, "Every time someone got a bingo, we got to switch seats to sit next to a different person. We met one woman named Elizabeth who was 99-years-old. I enjoyed meeting our new friends and I hope we can play with them again soon."

This event was organized by St. Jude School's Student Council and the newly formed Community Outreach Committee. One of the parents who was instrumental in the formation of this Committee, Rory O'Brochta, wanted her children to have the same appreciation for serving others which her mother taught to her as a child.

"I spent many hours driving around with my mom as a kid for Meals on Wheels and visiting elderly at the nursing home with her. Looking back, I am amazed that even with five kids she was able to help others," she said. "Needless to say, I want to instill the importance of helping others and giving back to my daughters and how good it feels," said O'Brochta. "I really want to give the students a more hands on approach to giving back."

O'Brochta approached St. Jude principal, Katherin Sniffin, with her idea for this organization at the end of the school year last year. The goals of group fall perfectly in line with the values which are taught to the children at the school each day in the classroom. With the principal's support, over the summer the plan was put into action and the Community Outreach Committee was introduced this Fall to the St. Jude students.

The Community Outreach Committee, in conjunction with the Student Council, is in the process of determining the projects for the remainder of the year. If you represent an organization which is interested in being considered for future efforts, call the school at (203) 261-3619.