Featured Story
Service in Action: St. Luke’s Students Make a Difference
This fall, students demonstrated commitment to St. Luke's motto: Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve. Between school-organized or school-promoted programs, all students have a chance to participate in service projects this semester.
Walkathon participants held signs that shared the impact of Inspirica’s work, which solicited waves and honks of support from cars and passersby.
As always, the Inspirica Walkathon was a community rallying point this fall. Working in partnership with Inspirica, our MS and US Service Boards helped organize and promote the annual 5K walk, which raises awareness and funds to help those experiencing homelessness in our area. More than 100 people participated in the event, raising over $25,000 to support Inspirica’s work in our community. A special shout out to the SLS football team, a group that has consistently supported the Walkathon since its inception 10 years ago. During the event, senior Sam Stevelman was presented with Inspirica’s Youth Volunteer Recognition Award for her years of dedicated service to the organization.
ST. LEO FAIR
Speaking of the football team, earlier in the season, they also volunteered their time and muscle to break down equipment and load storage trailers after the annual St. Leo Fair. The team has partnered with the fair for several years, and their support is deeply appreciated by St. Leo’s Church in Stamford.
Speaking of the football team, earlier in the season, they also volunteered their time and muscle to break down equipment and load storage trailers after the annual St. Leo Fair. The team has partnered with the fair for several years, and their support is deeply appreciated by St. Leo’s Church in Stamford.
HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE
This fall, Kiley Galvin ‘23 initiated a Halloween costume drive, which was supported by the MS and US Service Boards. Over 50 gently-used costumes were collected from St. Luke’s community and donated to Kiley’s former school in Stamford. This effort allowed students who might not have costumes to participate in the school’s annual Halloween costume event. Kiley shared her gratitude for the generosity of the St. Luke’s community: "Whether students from my former school transformed into a mermaid or an astronaut, the St. Luke's community made their day special. Your generous contributions are so meaningful to these families, and I am so grateful to the St. Luke's community for supporting the costume drive."
Students collected clothing at Homecoming and throughout the fall.
MIDNIGHT RUNOn the heels of that drive, we launched a clothing drive to benefit Midnight Run, an organization dedicated to finding common ground between the housed and the homeless. This year, Atara Loewenberg ‘24 restarted a Midnight Run Club at SLS to revive our connection with the organization. Students continue to collect clothing items and raise funds to purchase materials. On Dec. 3, students will travel to New York City to distribute the clothing and food directly to those in need, which will create a connection between our students and those experiencing homelessness.
Students collected used bikes and donated them to Bradley Street Bicycle Co-op in Teddy's memory
HONORING TEDDY BALKIND
To honor his legacy, and with the full blessing of the Balkind family, Teddy Balkind’s dearest friends organized a service event, which took place the week of his Nov. 9 birthday. Students collected used bikes and donated them to the Bradley Street Bicycle Co-Op, where the bikes are refurbished and distributed to those in need of transportation. Students also promoted donations to the Teddy Balkind Charitable Foundation.
Senior Max Kavan donated 1,200 pairs of Moosox to Open Doors, a homeless shelter in Norwalk.
MOOSOX - STUDENT NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Senior Max Kavan was inspired to create his own nonprofit business, Moosox, after receiving a pair of Bombas socks for Christmas. The business has a simple but impactful motto “Giving back. One sole at a time.” For every pair of socks purchased, Moosox donates a pair of socks to organizations in the Fairfield County area. Unlike Bombas, Moosox is committed to providing the exact same product to both buyers and shelters: high-quality crew socks that will provide lasting comfort. This fall, Kavan donated 1,200 pairs of Moosox to Open Doors, a homeless shelter in Norwalk, Connecticut.
St. Luke’s students volunteered their time at a packing event for Filling in the Blanks. In just over an hour, students packed over 500 meals that will be served to Connecticut children facing food insecurity.
HANDS-ON SERVICE WORK
Students have also participated in hands-on service work. Weekly, Upper School students volunteer at the Inspirica Youth Center. St. Luke’s student volunteers provide homework assistance and enjoy the company of the children at the center, playing games, and serving as exceptional mentors. In addition, St. Luke’s students have volunteered their time at packing events for Filling in the Blanks, a non-profit organization that fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends.
COMING SOON: HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
Looking ahead, we’ve started preparations for the Holiday Boutique on December 6, from 3 - 5 p.m. in the Fireplace Commons. At this annual event, non-profit organizations and SLS clubs set up booths to sell an array of goods—many homemade—including handbags, notecards, jewelry, SLS merch, pottery, and more. Proceeds from the event help raise money for a number of non-profit organizations, so save the date, bring your family, and get ready to shop for some fantastic items.
Looking ahead, we’ve started preparations for the Holiday Boutique on December 6, from 3 - 5 p.m. in the Fireplace Commons. At this annual event, non-profit organizations and SLS clubs set up booths to sell an array of goods—many homemade—including handbags, notecards, jewelry, SLS merch, pottery, and more. Proceeds from the event help raise money for a number of non-profit organizations, so save the date, bring your family, and get ready to shop for some fantastic items.
We'd love to continue highlighting our students' service engagement. Please reach out to Kate Parker-Burgard if you would like to see your efforts featured in our next edition.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
