Organizations We Will Serve

On Tuesday, August 25, all parents/guardians will receive an email with a link to register their child(ren) for Service Day. Families with students in grades 4 - 8 are encouraged to review the site options in advance. Each grade 4 - 8 site has limited spots available, and registration is first come/first served.

PRESCHOOL - GRADE 3. St. Barnabas students in grades Preschool - Grade 3 will remain on campus for Service Day. Students will work alongside their teachers and parent chaperones to support the following service organizations:

PRESCHOOL - Blue Island Stray Dog Project

Care and compassion for animals. Students will learn about the meaningful work of one of our local animal shelters, how to be a responsible pet owner, and make items to share with the shelter. Before Service Day, students will be encouraged to contribute small items to donate to the shelter. Note: Half-day and 4-day preschool students who are not typically at school on Friday afternoons are encouraged, but not required, to join us!

KINDERGARTEN - Play Smart Literacy

Helping children thrive. Students will learn how they can share books with other young children who may not have access to as many books at home. Students will also create book-related crafts to share with Play Smart Literacy. Before Service Day, students will be encouraged to donate gently used children's books (for birth to age 6) to Play Smart Literacy.

GRADE 1 - Catholic Charities
Sharing essentials with those in need. Students will learn about the mission of Catholic Charities and create small "Blessing Bags" of essential personal care items. Catholic Charities will then distribute these items to those in need.

GRADES 2 and 3 - Pro Labore Dei

Providing for those in need. Students will learn about food insecurity in an age-appropriate way, then assemble lunches and snack bags. Items will later be transported to Pro Labore Dei for distribution to those in need.

GRADES 4 and 5. St. Barnabas students in grades 4 and 5 will partner together. Groups of around 20 - 25 students, along with teachers and parent chaperones, will travel via school bus to one of the sites listed below. Students are encouraged to register at a service site that resonates with them. Registration links for each project will be posted on August 25.

Burst Into Books (Roseland neighborhood)

Enriching lives through access to books. Students will learn about the organization and help to sort and organize books for distribution.

Mercy Circle (Mt. Greenwood neighborhood)

Activities and companionship with our elders. Student volunteers will be paired with Mercy Circle residents to share fellowship, faith, and fun. Students and residents will come together to pray, interact, and share in meaningful conversations across generations.

Pullman National Historical Park (Pullman neighborhood)

Supporting our National Parks. Students will learn about the historic Pullman community and complete hands-on activities to spark learning and historical conservation efforts.

Smith Village (Morgan Park neighborhood)

Activities and companionship with our elders. Students will spend time with residents, visiting and participating in games with seniors.

Registration links for each project will be posted on August 25. Each service site has limited volunteer spots available. Once a service site has reached its maximum student capacity, you will need to select from one of our other available opportunities. Due to bus/site capacity, we cannot add more registrations to a site that has reached capacity.

GRADE 6, 7, and 8. St. Barnabas Junior High students will partner together. Groups of students, along with teachers and parent chaperones, will travel via school bus to one of the sites listed below. Students are encouraged to register at a service site that resonates with them. Registration links for each project will be posted on August 25.

Belhaven Nursing (Morgan Park neighborhood)

Activities and companionship with our elders. Students will spend time with residents, visiting and participating in games with seniors.

Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange (Auburn-Gresham neighborhood)

Sparking creativity and environmental stewardship. Students will sort and process donated supplies that will be distributed to Chicago teachers, artists, and non-profits. Students may work in partnership with clients from Envision Unlimited.

Edna White Community Garden (Morgan Park neighborhood)

Environmental stewardship and shared community endeavors. Students will clean the grounds and flower beds, and also learn about the cooperative and collaborative efforts and benefits of community gardening.

Greater Chicago Food Depository (Archer Heights neighborhood)

Striving to end hunger. Students will repack large quantities of bulk food into packages that individuals and families can use. Students will also pack boxes of assorted food, check expiration dates, label products, and clean produce.

Friends of the Chicago River (Dolton, IL)

Environmental education and conservation. Students will learn about the different aspects of the environment at Flatfoot Lake in Beaubien Woods, and also clean up and reduce litter on the grounds.

Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (Back of the Yards neighborhood)

Building up a community through hope and healing. Students will work outdoors in the urban garden, meet clients, participate in a peace circle, and learn more about Precious Blood Ministry and its impact on people's lives.

Share Your Soles (Pullman neighborhood)

Sharing hope and a better quality of life with our global society. Students will sort through new and used shoe donations and prepare shoes for worldwide shipment that targets impoverished areas. In advance of Service Day, students will be encouraged to help collect gently used shoes for Share Your Soles.