ORLANDO | When Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit, Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Orlando didn’t hesitate to step up and help.

Despite many of their own families dealing with storm-related challenges, students, teachers and families rallied together, finding meaningful ways to support communities in even harder-hit areas. These efforts were about more than just donations. They were about teaching students the power of coming together to help others in need.

St. Anthony Catholic School in Lakeland led one of the many projects. Moved by reports that students from an area school were sharing a single building due to Hurricane Helene, Sarah Fowler, a fifth-grade teacher, spearheaded a collection to gather necessities – baby supplies, canned goods, garbage bags, shovels, and even pet food for families in need.

However, in the middle of the original drive, Hurricane Milton hit Central Florida, temporarily closing the St. Anthony’s campus. Once back in school, families resumed giving, and Oct. 18, Fowler and Kelly Tarte, the middle school science and math teacher, delivered two carloads of donations to a nearby homeless shelter/distribution center.

“I was shocked at how many items we collected because, after Milton, many of our families were without power for a few days,” Fowler said. “Some students even experienced flooding in their homes/ neighborhoods and had some damage to their homes. This did not stop them though. Our students and their families completely showed up for us in this donation.”

Schools across the diocese organized similar initiatives, from “No Uniform Today” (NUT) days to collection events. St. James Cathedral School raised $3,500. St. Teresa Catholic School in Titusville partnered with the local Knights of Columbus to collect food. With just two days’ notice, families brought in more than 400 cans.

“The Knights were completely overwhelmed and very appreciative of the generosity of our families,” said Mary McCrory, principal. “Their actions are a living example of the Catholic spirit — having an overwhelming desire to help those in need, regardless of who they may be. Our students truly had the opportunity to see how the goodness in people can be expressed in times of need.”

Santa Fe Catholic High School also took on a big project to support Mulberry Community Academy, a school hit hard by Hurricane Milton. On Oct. 18, Santa Fe’s National Beta Club organized a school-wide service day to lend a hand to the Mulberry school’s families.

After a short prayer service, the student body prepared around 1,200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They also raised funds to purchase water, fruit cups and snacks for those in need.

Through these efforts, the schools showed dedication to service and community, especially in times of crisis. In giving to those in need, students learned the values of compassion, responsibility and the effect they can have on the world.

“I wanted our students to see the real impact of helping others,” Fowler said. “Service projects like this are about more than just giving items; they teach students about compassion and how small actions can make a big difference.”

Linda Caldwell is director of communications for the Office of Catholic Schools.

By Linda Caldwell, Special to the Florida Catholic, October 31, 2024