The drive exceeded its $3,000 goal, with approximately $4,500 being raised and over 300 items donated. Peer Ministers at the conclusion of their skit.
NHS Surpasses Goal for Christmas Gift Drive
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his year an unexpected “snow day” on the last day before Christmas break disrupted the normal conclusion of the annual gift drive. On what is traditionally the largest single day for donations, the threat of a winter storm caused cancellations throughout the area and this important charity drive had to be postponed until classes resumed in January. But once again students, faculty and staff proved that the Christmas spirit is alive at Xavier High School. The annual Christmas Drive is sponsored by the National Honor Society. Xavier students graciously donate gifts and money to Santa and his helpers before school and during lunchtime. At the end of the first day back from Christmas vacation, the school assembled for the annual Christmas assembly. Brother William noted “It is probably a good thing that we were postponed since so many people feel that Christmas is over at midnight on December 25th. But Christmas only begins on Christmas Day and the celebration carries on through the Baptism of Jesus on January 11th.”
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Xavier Today
The Peer ministers prepared a skit depicting the birth of Christ in a modern setting. The young couple, Mariah and Joe, is expecting the birth of their child in a poor, city setting. Mariah is turned away from the hospital for lack of proper insurance coverage and turns to a free clinic in an undesirable neighborhood to give birth to the child. All the while, they seem watched over by the grace of God and they give thanks for the “blessings” that they have been given. Brother William also announced that the Christmas Gift Drive would also be extended through the week. “This is appropriate since the needy in our city, state, nation and world still require our generosity long after Christmas has come and gone.” This sentiment was evident in the holiday greetings that Miss Jayne Vitale, NHS Advisor, sent to all members of the Xavier community at the kick-off of the drive, “Once again we ask that you look into your hearts for that special donation that will help to make other lives a little brighter during this wonderful time of year. We hope that you are able to help us with our special
Mellissa Pionzio of the Hartford Courant interviews Santa and helpers as they collect donations from students, faculty and staff early one morning during the gift drive.
endeavor sponsored by the National Honor Society. To make our Christmas Drive a great success in the Xavier tradition, we are looking for the following donated gift items: basic clothing items such as sweatshirts sweat pants, socks, T-shirts, flannel shirts, and related casual items. Please think of the elderly persons as well as the young with gifts of toiletries, board games, stationary items and postage stamps. Young people can use school supplies as well…We ask that you … try to meet the needs of those in healthcare facilities, special agencies and schools for troubled teens.”
It all came together in the end. The drive exceeded its $3,000 goal, with approximately $4,500 being raised and over 300 items donated. Over twenty years ago the Christmas Drive was started by Headmaster Brother William, C.F.X., and has been a true symbol of Christ’s love present at Xavier. Some recipients of the Christmas Drive are The Dominican Nuns, Catholic Relief Services, Mount St. John School, Covenant House, Xaverian Brothers Missions, Highview Nursing Home, St. Vincent DePaul Place, and CT Valley Hospital.