How did your family’s tradition of donating during Christmas time begin?

“My involvement with both the Brothers of Iona Prepatory Church and the Sisters of the Church in Yonkers began, from what I can remember, twelve years ago with my family.  We first started donating food to the sisters of the Church on Thanksgiving as an act of kindness, and then from there, we started donating every Christmas.  This tradition initially began due to my dad as he went and graduated from Iona Preparatory School, where we also gave Thanksgiving meals to the brothers of the Church.” 

Why do you think donating is important, both during and after the holiday season? 

“I believe that donating is important, both during and after the holiday season, because it instills a sense of hope and belonging to the underprivileged people who do not necessarily have a community.  I also feel like there is a strong connection between you and the person or persons you are giving back to, which lasts a lifetime.  Even just a small donation to people who need it most can brighten their day, and even more so, make you happy.  Christmas time for most is a time of giving.  When donating, personally, I feel good about myself, knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life.”

How does donating make Christmas more meaningful for you?

“Donating makes Christmas more meaningful to me because it spreads the joy I have within my family to people outside of my community.  To me, Christmas is all about how your spirit affects others positively, and in order to do so, you must give back in some way.”

The King Street Chronicle thanks junior Lulu Caruso ’23 for her contributions to “Humans of Sacred Heart.”