Service Learning
One of Saint Jude’s many traditions is continued service to our community. Every year, each grade organizes and executes a Service Learning project to help different organizations in our community.
Kindergarten - Atlanta Children’s Shelter, Holiday House
December Service Learning Project
School-wide Toy Drive to collect items for underprivileged children. The Atlanta Children's Shelter provides free, quality day care, emotional support, and educational curriculum for homeless children, and focused social services for their families. Holiday House is a “free” shopping event for homeless and formerly homeless families. Our kindergarteners understand the special impact a beloved toy can have, so it is important to give them the opportunity to create the same sense of joy and connection for someone else.
1st Grade – Animal Shelter Drive
October Service Learning Project
School-wide collection for basic needs for local animal shelters. Psalm 104:24 states, “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” The first graders help remind us that animals are intentionally and wonderfully made by God and that we should help ensure their well-being. This drive also coincides with Saint Francis Day, honoring the patron saint of animals.
2nd Grade - Our House Day Care Center
September Service Learning Project
School-wide collection including basic needs for infants/children. Our House provides more than just free childcare to families experiencing homelessness. Its goal is to create a pathway to stability and independence by allowing access to healthcare, education, and housing. The second graders help Our House by donating infant/toddler items such as diapers, wipes, and baby formula.
3rd Grade - Assisted Living Center
March Service Learning Project
Students visit a local assisted living center to spend time with its residents . Leviticus 19:32 states, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” A lively St. Patrick’s Day themed musical performance, lemonade, and cookies are just the beginning of an exciting day for both the residents and the third graders.
4th Grade - Central Presbyterian Church and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
November Service Learning Project
Students prepare and serve meals to the residents of The Bashor Homeless Men’s Shelter, a non-profit organization in Atlanta. During the school day students make sandwiches, as well as create bags for each gentleman to have a packed breakfast and lunch for their day. After school, students then travel to the shelter to plate and serve a hot dinner and visit with the residents. “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same” (Luke 3:11).
5th Grade - The Sandwich Project
February Service Project
Students participate in the Sandwich Project to assemble and donate homemade sandwiches to meet the food scarcity needs in Metro Atlanta. One in six, just within the state of Georgia, is considered food insecure. The Sandwich Project started in 2020 and has already provided over 2,500,00 sandwiches, helping over 70 Atlanta charities. Our fifth graders proudly add to that number each year.
6th Grade - Elaine Clarke Center
October Service Learning Project
The sixth graders help provide respite care and support for families with children with disabilities. The teachers at the Elaine Clarke Center ensure that children with disabilities are given a loving environment where they can thrive. The sixth graders have the opportunity to work alongside the caregivers at Elaine Clarke during an evening respite program, where they will help the children complete activities, play games, and just have fun.
7th Grade - Central Presbyterian Church and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
January Service Learning Project
The seventh graders have the unique opportunity to return to the Bashor Homeless Men’s Shelter, giving them a more mature perspective and reminding them that the need for food and shelter is always present.
8th Grade - Ronald McDonald House
March Service Project
The eighth graders prepare and serve dinner to the residents of the Ronald McDonald House. All parents know how helpless you can feel when your children are sick at home, but the residents of the Ronald McDonald House are there because their children are staying in the hospital, far from home, fighting a serious illness or injury. Our eighth graders are given the chance to take one load off of these parent’s shoulders.
*Please note: This list is subject to change
