Peer Assistance and Leadership, also known as PALS at Jesuit, is a group of dedicated students who serve as mentors for the school by actively running service drives, projects and fundraisers for the local community. This year proved no different, as various PALS representatives have coordinated a Christmas Blanket Drive to benefit the far Southeast Community of Lawson through donations of blankets and fleece throws.
Coordinated by PALS Moderator and Junior Counselor Paul McDaniel, PALS hosts an annual Christmas Drive for a community of their choosing, in the hope of providing comfort for underprivileged throughout the winter months. Over the history of PALS Christmas fundraisers, thousand of needed family have been cared for by various drive donations including blankets, clothes and basic necessities. This year, the service organization opened up the drive for the collection of fleece “throws”, large and plushy blankets that provide cozy comfort during the coldest days. According to Junior Representative Emmet Flood ’16, “these throws are a very good thing by providing both warmth and comfort to needy families without heating.”
Also leading the drive is Gordon Webb ’16, member of the Ignatian Service Corps and PALS, who added “Traditionally, Jesuit always offers many Christmas drives for those in need.” Webb, who works closely with Community Service and Social Justice Director Rich Perry, also mentioned that “this year’s drive goal is to benefit the community in the best way possible by the donations of warm, fleece throws.” In order to donate as many blankets as possible, several Junior Representatives such as Christian Schoeberl ’16 and Dominic Priolo ’16 have collected donated blankets from various homerooms, while also organizing the collection prior to delivery at the Lawson Community. Even though the drive is focused on supporting the needy, each donated fleece throw will receive 3 service credits and can be purchased at most retailers for the affordable price range of $5-$15.
At Jesuit, the many different service organization share a similar goal when serving others: “To give and not count the cost.” Rooted in Ignatius’ philosophy, McDaniel, the Junior PAL’s and the Service Department all hope that the Juniors will open their hearts to assist the poor, even during our busiest times leading up to Christmas Break. Ultimately, the drive hopes to collect enough throws to serve as many families as possible who live in the Community of Lawson, and through the hard work of the Juniors, this collection will continue to provide the deserved warmth to the needy during the Holiday Season.
