By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, 14 Catholic elementary schools across Windsor-Essex came together Thursday to deliver thousands of donated toys, clothing items, and food to local families in need as part of the 11th annual Santa School Bus Rides initiative.
The event, held at Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School on December 4, saw students from across the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) collect and pack donations onto school buses bound for the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s food banks.
“You can hear the joy here with Holy Cross Choir. Thousands of food items, as well as thousands of gifts and games,” said Emelda Byrne, director of education with the WECDSB. “Every student is bringing over a gift or a toy that they’re very, very proud of and they know it’s going to go to a needy cause and a family in need.”
This year marked a record-breaking participation, with 14 schools contributing to the cause: Assumption College Catholic Middle School, Cardinal Carter Catholic Middle School, H.J. Lassaline Catholic Elementary School, Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School, Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Elementary School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Elementary School, Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School, St. Andre French Immersion Catholic Elementary School, St. Anne FI Catholic Elementary School, St. Christopher Catholic Elementary School, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, St. Mary Catholic Elementary School, St. Peter Catholic Elementary School, and W.J. Langlois Catholic Elementary School.
Otavio, a Grade 5 student at Holy Cross says, “We’re doing this so kids can share gifts with others who may not receive a toy this Christmas. It makes me feels good to give.”
The annual initiative is made possible through a partnership between the WECDSB, Windsor-Essex Student Transportation Services (WESTS), the Windsor and LaSalle Police Service, and community volunteers who help facilitate the delivery of goods to the charities.
“We really like to inspire our students to look for ways they can support the community as they grow,” said Dana Capaldi, principal at Holy Cross. “The reaction has been joy and understanding that kids who may go without this Christmas, will be supported by what transforms here today.”
Byrne emphasized that the event represents more than just charitable giving. “It’s about the sense of belonging in the Catholic community and making sure that they give to one another around the holiday season,” she said.
The donations will help ensure that vulnerable families throughout Windsor-Essex receive gifts during the holiday season, bringing joy and relief to those facing difficult circumstances.
