Students from three Viatorian institutions worked together Thursday afternoon to feed the hungry. They staffed a mobile food bank that took place at Cristo Rey St. Martin High School Waukegan, which partnered for the second time with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Saint Viator High School students help load cars.
More than 80 volunteers worked together to make the drive-through pick-up a success. They included students from CRSM as well as from Saint Viator High School and men from Viator House of Hospitality.
Waiting cars snake around the CRSM parking lot.
In all, the event served more than 900 area families said Jim Dippold, campus minister at CRSM and organizer of the project. But they’re not done yet. This was the second of six food banks planned at the school this semester.
“It was such a good connection to make between the three communities working together to help serve families from the greater Waukegan area,” Dippold added.
Fr. Corey Brost is ready to work with men from Viator House of Hospitality.
Br. John Eustice, CSV, and Associate Brian Hansen accompanied the Saint Viator students, while Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, worked alongside the men of Viator House.
“These 900 families are our neighbors,” Dippold said in thanking volunteers. “You are a ray of light through some difficult times. You offered hope and compassion to people who appreciated it.”
Preston Kendall, President of Cristo Rey St. Martin, says that in searching for a permanent home for the school, they dreamed of a facility that would not only meet the school’s needs but would have the potential to become a rich resource for the entire community.
“We are a faith-based school and we want our students to put their faith into action,” he adds. “It’s the only way we will make the world a better place. Our school strives to model these values by leveraging the campus for our collective, greater good.”