Christian Brothers Students Collect Food, Winter Jackets

LINCROFT, NJ — The student body at Christian Brothers Academy collected food, toiletries, winter coats and more this Thanksgiving, all of the donations going to area food pantries in need.

CBA, a boys' private Catholic high school in Lincroft, does the Campus Ministry’s Thanksgiving Food Drive every November, led by Campus Minister Matt Butler.

However, this is not just any November and it is certainly not just any school year: In just four weeks before Thanksgiving, the CBA student body collected more than 32,000 items, one of the highest collection sizes ever. The varsity crew team donated more than 13,000 items alone, with the help of parent volunteer Jon D’Orsi ’89.

When CBA was in its two-week virtual learning period this fall, nearly 70 students showed up on campus to help sort and load approximately 6,000 items that were donated in just one afternoon. Students also came together to pack about 1,000 ready-made lunches to be sent to pantries and shelters for the typical lunchtime rush these organizations experience.

CBA students are currently back in class full time.

“Throughout a fall with constant challenges and uncertainty, our students’ commitment to serving those in need has never wavered,” Principal Ross Fales said. "I am very proud."

The food and items will go to seven different food pantries and shelters in the Monmouth County and Ocean County area.

And CBA's winter coat drive collected 150 coats and jackets for the cold months ahead.

And CBA is not stopping just because Thanksgiving is over: Butler and Christian Service seniors also started collections for both women and baby products to deliver to women’s shelters. Donations of hygiene products, diapers and toys have been sent to shelters in the greater Monmouth County area.

“These initiatives are something we all can be profoundly grateful for this year," said Fales. "And truly make the Academy a special community to be a part of.”

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local non-profits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know about a local organization that should be profiled, contact Carly.baldwin@patch.com.