The only thing that can bring a tight-knit community even closer together is some Christmas cheer. On Sunday, December 10, St. Paul Catholic School held its fifth annual Donuts with Santa fundraiser. St. Paul students, their families, churchgoers, and Santa-loving members of the community gathered to celebrate what Christmas is truly all about: togetherness.
“This is such a special event. This is my second year chairing it and I love it — my family even came in from another state to help me put it on. It helps get everyone in the holiday spirit,” said Christina Justak, Donuts with Santa chair.
To say the event put everyone in the holiday spirit would be an understatement. Laughter echoed throughout the room and smiles brightened everyone’s faces as families took part in the day’s activities. The middle school Girl Scouts set up a booth and for a small donation helped people wrap their Christmas presents while the parents enjoyed some donuts and heartfelt conversations.
What was even more exciting was the arts and crafts station. Tables were packed with children as they focused intently on building little gingerbread houses, decorating Christmas ornaments, and writing detailed letters for Santa. Once satisfied with their work, they bounded up to Santa with adorable grins and helped him place the gifts underneath the tree.
“I love seeing all the kids’ faces light up when they see Santa. It’s a fun way for students to spend time with their classmates outside of school. It’s also a great way for parents to come together and welcome some of the new faces. It builds community,” said Justak.
On top of bringing everyone together to have a jolly time, Donuts with Santa was also a great way for people to support St. Paul and its mission.
“This event truly supports St. Paul. It’s a great fundraiser, but it also helps give some exposure to the school. We have flyers on the tables promoting an open house so guests can walk through the school and get to know the parents and the community. The open house is the last Sunday in January and we encourage families to tour the school and meet the teachers. The official date is January 28 and it is from 10:30-1,” said Justak.
Justak is thankful to everyone who helped make the event such an astounding success. She’s grateful to Strack and Van Til and Family Express for donating the cookies and donuts and to all the awesome moms who volunteered their time. The event truly demonstrated the power of community.
“There’s such a strong sense of community here. This is why we go to St. Paul’s. Everyone knows each other and parents know their children are secure and safe. We’re lucky that since we are a small school we get to hold activities like this and bring the parish together,” said Justak.
Once again, St. Paul Catholic School’s Donuts with Santa fundraiser proved that a caring community is the best gift of all. The St. Paul community is eager to continue bonding for countless years to come.
“I can’t wait to do this again next year and hopefully add on even more activities for the families. We think it would be neat to have a little choir sing some carols. Each year this is just going to continue to get bigger and better,” said Justak.
To learn more about St. Paul Catholic School and its uplifting events, visit stpaulvalpo.org.
