Sacred Heart Greenwich came together to participate in its annual Community Day of Service, November 23. Many community members donated housewarming items to aid veterans and their families. Sacred Heart’s Salute to Service committee and My Brother Vinny’s Place collaborated on the Community Day of Service to support homeless veterans. Hayes Hall held the event from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Miss Karen Panarella, Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Life, orchestrated this day with the help of Sacred Heart faculty members, Mrs. Jennifer Bensen, Associate Head of School for Student Life, Mrs. Laura Pochintesta, Middle School Theology and Community Service Teacher, and Mrs. Lisa Lyons, Lower School Administrative Assistant, Director of Lower School After-school and Extended Day Programs and Saturdays at Sacred Heart, and Lower School Community Service Coordinator.
Through an Amazon Wish List, participants purchased and donated household items, such as appliances, furniture, and linens. These donations will support veterans who suffer from homelessness, poverty, low income, and unemployment. Additionally, volunteers helped to expand the meadow on campus by building birdhouses, planting seeds, and packing seeds. The Community Day of Service brings the school community together to deepen their understanding of veterans’ lives, families, and contributions. Miss Panarella, commented on the day’s significance for the community, and how it emphasizes Sacred Heart’s mission.
“The Community Day of Service instills in our mission of Goal Three,” Miss Panarella said. “It is a powerful experience for students and families that demonstrates how we live out the values of service and the care for the creation that is central to our mission. For us to do an all-school service day is a nice opportunity for the Lower, Middle, and Upper school to do something together.”
Specifically, this day highlights the importance of giving back to those who served in the armed forces. Following their service, veterans face debilitating housing issues once they return home. In particular, veterans make up fewer than 10 percent of the population in the United States (US), yet nearly 13 percent of the adults experiencing homelessness are veterans, according to valorhealthcare.com. After combat, some veterans cannot or are not ready to face the challenges of civilian life, especially with housing and finding a job. In addition, they suffer from mental and physical issues that serve as a significant disadvantage when returning from the military, according to nynmedia.com. With assistance from the Salute to Service committee and My Brother Vinny’s Place, veterans can ease back into daily life.
Seniors Maggie Heffernan, Caroline Muccia, and Emma Mulcahy, are the founders of the Salute to Service committee, which strives to spread awareness about veterans in need, and how important it is to commemorate their sacrifices and service. Members of the chapter donate and work with other charities dedicated to this cause. Maggie discussed the accomplishments and future goals of the committee.
“Salute to Service’s mission is to support and raise awareness around veterans, especially those who are transitioning back into a civilian lifestyle,” Maggie said. “So far, we have accomplished several of our goals, including working with the American Legion, donating to organizations in support of veterans, collaborating with other local schools, and spreading awareness surrounding veterans in need. We plan to continue this work and eventually expand this chapter, reaching audiences beyond Sacred Heart. We also hope to connect with more veterans firsthand and learn how we as a community can better suit their needs. We are very passionate about this chapter and hope to continue inspiring others within the Sacred Heart community to get involved and contribute to our mission.”
Moreover, Salute to Service committee’s participation in the annual Community Day of Service illustrates their dedication to helping military families face the struggles following combat. Thanks to Sacred Heart families, students, faculty, and student-led chapters, the Community Day of Service fulfilled its mission by recognizing veterans in need and donating to this cause. Maggie emphasized the significance of giving back to struggling veterans.
“We believe that the importance of recognizing these brave soldiers helps spread awareness by the heroic actions they have accomplished,” Maggie said. “We wanted to express our appreciation towards our veterans and help them get out of homelessness because they are the ones that are sacrificing their lives in protection of us so we really wanted to take a stance on this issue and give back. We hope to see everyone come and support this service day, and we cannot wait to be given the chance to give back to these amazing families.”
Featured Image by Lilia Newman ’27
