St. Mary of the Lakes School participates in its annual Day of Service

Students from pre-K to eighth grade helped out in a number of projects

St. Mary of the Lakes School (SML) joined thousands of Catholic school students of the Diocese of Trenton to mark April 28 as the third annual Diocesan “Day of Service.” The students took part in various community service projects to help those in need and honor individuals and groups who have given to their communities, all in support of the theme, “Catholic Schools Do it All.”

SML students spent the majority of Friday working in and around the community of Medford. Among the activities carried out by pre-K through eighth-grade students were meal preparation for local food assistance programs; hosting breakfasts and luncheons for seniors, municipal workers and military veterans; planting flowers; making care packages for sick children and those currently serving in the military; pitching in at animal shelters; and raising money for various charities.

Here is a small glimpse into the service activities the SML students completed:

The youngest SML students, who are in pre-K made centerpieces and placemats for Cathedral Kitchen in Camden and the kindergartners decorated a banner to give to the children at CHOP, made placemats for Cathedral Kitchen in Camden and planted beautiful flowers around our school grounds.

First Grade made cards for grandparents and cleaned up trash around the school. They also made cards for military men and women.

Second-graders planted sunflowers and delivered them to the Medford Leas where they also visited and played Bingo with residents.

The third and fourth-graders made and delivered sandwiches, along with drinks and other snacks, to Camden’s Cathedral Kitchen in Camden.

Fifth-graders worked hard at Cedar Run Wildlife Center in Medford as they raked and helped clean up walkway areas.

SML’s Day of Service was also extended to our beloved pets as the sixth-graders donated items purchased at Pet Smart, through funds raised during a school bake sale, to a local animal shelter.

Seventh-graders planted a garden at the school after they spent time cleaning up Still Park in Medford.

SML’s soon to be eighth Grade graduates spent their time during the Day of Service cleaning windows & assisting with projects around the school.

SML was proud of their students and their dedication to service.