Monsignor Leo Cleary CES Grade 8 students lead successful community food drive

April 23, 2026

The Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School community recently celebrated a monumental success following a school-wide food drive that saw students and staff rally together for a common cause. 

From March 23 through April 2, Monsignor Leo Cleary CES had successfully amassed well over 1,000 non-perishable food items, essential toiletries, and baby supplies. 

“I was blown away by the community’s generosity as well as the exceptional collaboration of my Grade 8 students,” said Sabrina Morra, Teacher. “Together, we helped make the lives of people in need in our community a little bit better.”

The initiative was spearheaded by Grade 8 students, who took on significant leadership roles throughout the two-week campaign. 

These students visited classrooms daily to count and collect donations, eventually moving the massive haul to the school’s front foyer for final preparation.

On April 7, the Grade 8 class personally delivered the donations to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry located at St. Therese Parish. 

Demonstrating a hands-on commitment to service, the students walked the items to the church and spent time in the basement sorting through the goods. 

They ensured the pantry was organized by checking for expired items and restocking the shelves according to best-before dates, ensuring the facility was ready for immediate use by the community.

The drive was characterized not only by hard work but also by a spirit of school-wide fun, as milestones were met with unique rewards. 

For every 100 items collected, students earned incentives ranging from extra recess and student-led lessons to more lighthearted displays from the faculty. 

Teachers participated in push-up challenges, performed dances for the school, and, in a final display of school spirit, were taped to the wall and hit with whipped cream pies.