Since 1968, Jesuit High School Sacramento has hosted an annual Advent Food Drive; one of the oldest traditions at Jesuit.

The goal of this year’s drive, which started on Nov. 28 and ends on Dec. 9, is to collect a total of 100,000 pounds of food, or about 100 pounds per student. All donations go to Stanford Settlement, a nonprofit organization that is making Christmas baskets for people in need this holiday season. As of Friday, Dec. 2, a total of 6,556 pounds of food has been collected.

There are a variety of ways that students can get involved: by donating nonperishable foods or money. Food donations can be dropped off in the parking lot by the soccer field, and monetary donations can be donated online or dropped off in person. Additionally, students can volunteer for the food drive unload on Friday, Dec. 9 from about 1:50 p.m. to about 6 p.m.

For Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari, donating food is especially important because it’s the perfect way to show how Jesuit helps the community during the holidays.

“I think that the holiday season is especially important because a lot of kids receive food at school,” Mr. Ferrari said. “And then when there’s a holiday break, they are not receiving that food, so it’s really important that we help Stanford Settlement to provide for these families in need during the holiday season. We talk a lot about being men for others and now it’s time to show that we are a community of men and women for others.”

English teacher Mr. Philip Nuxoll ’83 believes that the food drive is a great opportunity to show the community the kindness and generosity that Jesuit strives to exemplify.

“It’s just a great way of feeding the hungry but also building community, really getting some credit for our schools as well, just that we’re doing the right thing,” Mr. Nuxoll said. “Hopefully, this springboards into a sense of caring and community for the future.”

Jack Gallaway ’23 hopes students will donate out of the goodness of their hearts and respect for the Sacramento community.

“Students should participate to put food on the table for those in need,” Jack said. “People should give out of the greatness of their hearts. For many people in Sacramento, they spend Christmas without food or presents. This drive puts food on the table for these people and lets them enjoy a happy festive meal.”

There is no better time to give to the community than during the Christmas season, the time where people come together and celebrate with the gift of giving. So, like Jack said above, let’s break the trailer and donate as much food as possible to give people in need the best holiday season.

You can purchase the food or canvass your neighborhood for it. As said before, you have until Dec.9 to drop your food off at the trailer in the parking lot (near the soccer field).