To honor a recent commitment, students at Saint Jude School on Main Street have spent the school year helping those in need.
Since September, 26 students have raked leaves for elderly residents, made pillow cases for the Fernald School and have entertained senior citizens at Marist Hill Nursing Home as part of the Celebrating Service Club.
Yesterday, the club delivered 75 colorful placemats and 75 fruit baskets to Bristol Lodge, a shelter for homeless men.
"The theme for Catholic schools across the U.S. this year is service," Sister Katherine Martin said yesterday at the school. "This is the first year for the club ... it's been most successful."
The students have been meeting after school twice a week. The group discusses ways to help others and then organizes ways to tackle proposed projects.
"Mostly we do stuff for other people or make stuff for other people," said Alice Hawkes, 11, of Waltham. "You work really hard and you make something beautiful to help somebody else."
Danielle Cibitorese, 12, of Readville, said, "It's nice to make things for people who really need them."
Blessing Ajaero, 13, of Waltham, said working with her friends is her favorite part of being a club member.
"I think it's all rewarding ... it's really fun being in the club and being with friends helping people," she said. "Work can be fun too if you're with your friends."
Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com
