In a powerful display of community spirit, compassion, and teamwork, the students of Salesian College Preparatory recently led a campus-wide food drive supporting St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County. Organized through the school’s Faith Family Groups, the service project brought together students from all grade levels in a unified effort to deliver boxed meals for families in need. 

St. Vincent de Paul, a longstanding nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need, serves thousands across Contra Costa County each year. With rising food costs and increasing demand for assistance, the organization relies heavily on community partnerships to keep pantry shelves stocked. Salesian’s commitment to service has once again helped fill that need. 

Students collected a wide range of non-perishable items: canned vegetables, pasta, sauces, and Thanksgiving staples. Faith Families and faculty and staff moderators also came together to contribute money for grocery store gift cards. When the final totals were counted, Salesian students had gathered 50 boxes and over $1,500.00. Students embraced the effort wholeheartedly, motivated not only by the camaraderie of their groups but also by the knowledge that their contributions would support local families facing real hardship.

“This drive is about more than collecting food,” shared one Faith Family leader. “It’s about living out our Salesian values. We want people in our community to experience the joy of a family gathering and a plentiful table.” The food drive is just one example of how Salesian College Prep’s Faith Family Groups foster leadership, service, and connection among students. Each year, these groups take on projects that reinforce the school’s mission to educate students not only academically, but also spiritually and socially, encouraging them to be committed to the betterment of society.