Mount Community Lives Mercy Core Values During Service Day

Within only three hours on Wednesday morning, the Mount community united to illustrate the importance of the Mercy Core Values - Inspired by Faith and Compelled by Mercy - by reaching out to improve the lives of others in need during Service Day. This annual event featured separate grade levels under the advisement of faculty/staff in different shifts, assisting various organizations on and off campus.  

 

Members of the freshmen class listened to a speech by Mansi Shah of Operation Smile before heading off to assemble smile bags for clients served by the organization. The bags included handwritten cards, coloring books, crayons, hygiene products, and more. Freshmen also made fleece blankets for children in need through the Project Linus initiative. They also decorated onesies and bibs for Operation Smile clients that featured positive messages and cheerful designs.

 

Sophomores mobilized their efforts off campus where they offered their assistance at Crossroads School in Westfield, Jardine Academy in Cranford, Inspire Family Life Center in Warren, Moms Helping Moms in Warren, and McAuley Hall Health Care Center on the Mount campus.

 

Members of the junior class were inspired by a speech from Lucy DelGaudio, a veteran of the U.S. Army. They designed and decorated canvas tote bags – or Stand Down Bags – to be filled with hygiene products and distributed to veterans. They also made bracelets and cards for the veterans and assembled packages for Operation Shoebox.

 

In the Gym, seniors packed meals for Rise Against Hunger after hearing a speech from a representative from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. They also assembled hygiene kits and Ziti for the Needy in the Student Center.

 

Bishop James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen joined the Mount community for many of the day's activities.

 

At the conclusion of Service Day, students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception to pray and reflect on the impact that had been made during the morning of outreach and service.