Jesuit High School's 56th Annual Food Drive Aims To Help Hundreds Of Local Families During The Holidays -12/16/24

Release Date: December 16, 2024

Jesuit High School’s 56th Annual Food Drive Aims to Help Hundreds of Local Families During the Holidays

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Jesuit High School is gearing up for its 56th annual Food Drive, a cherished tradition that mobilizes the school community to provide critical food assistance to families in the Portland area during the holiday season. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 2:15 p.m., the Jesuit High School Student Center will transform into a bustling hub where students, faculty and staff will sort and compile food boxes for over 350 families in the Portland area. Any surplus food will be donated to local food pantries to further benefit the community.

The JHS Food Drive has grown significantly since its inception in 1969, when it served approximately 40 families and raised just over $350.  

“As Jesuit High School has grown, so has its Food Drive. The drive not only helps families experiencing food insecurity during the Christmas season but also provides non-perishable foods for local food banks that serve families in need year-round,” said Andrea Casey, Food Drive coordinator.

Over the past two weeks, students have been collecting non-perishable food items and raising funds to purchase perishable goods. Students, faculty, and staff will volunteer through the evening of Dec. 18 sorting and preparing the food for delivery on Thursday, Dec. 19, beginning at 12 p.m. The families receiving the food are pre-selected through partnerships with Lifeworks NW, St. Vincent de Paul at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, and several Beaverton elementary schools.  

“We’re not only addressing immediate needs but also raising awareness about the ongoing issue of food insecurity in Oregon,” said Casey. “Our hope is that students understand this is a year-round challenge, not just a seasonal one.”

In addition to the student-led efforts, Jesuit High School alumni of Jesuit High School will host their 39th annual Food Drive December 19-21. Working in collaboration with Lincoln High School and the University of Portland, alumni will deliver 3,100 food boxes to families throughout the Portland area. 

“The Alumni Food Drive exemplifies our mission of being men and women for others,” said Kathy Baarts, Jesuit’s Alumni Director. “The need for food continues to grow, and our alumni community rises to meet that need, year after year.”

This longstanding tradition highlights the Jesuit High School community’s dedication to service and compassion, ensuring that hundreds of families experience the joy and relief of a well-stocked table during the holidays.

 

Food Drive (VIDEO & PHOTO OPP.):

• Wednesday, Dec. 18 @ 2:15 pm – Food collection in student center (Jesuit HS)

About Jesuit High School: Founded in 1956 by the Society of Jesus, Jesuit High School is Oregon's only secondary school in the Ignatian tradition of excellence in education. Our 1,282 students represent a diverse mix of young men and women from the Portland metro area and southwest Washington.

Jesuit High School's mission is to educate "men and women for others.” Our graduates are leaders who are religious, loving, intellectually competent, committed to doing justice, and open to growth. Jesuit is the recipient of two U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Awards, a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Award for its sustainability efforts, and 19 OSAA Cup Awards for outstanding achievement in academics, school activities, athletics, and sportsmanship. More information can be found online at www.jesuitportland.org.