Omaha’s Duchesne Academy has joined forces with the Christ Child Society of Omaha in a heartfelt partnership aimed at giving back to the community.
As part of their annual retreat, sophomore students at Duchesne Academy have embarked on a compassionate mission, assembling backpack baby bags filled with essential items for parents facing challenging circumstances.
Ella Rudersdorf, one of the sophomores involved in the initiative, shared, “So, we started out making the bags, and kind of putting them together, and we actually had lunch and did some other bonding activities as a class and came back and finished them.”
These thoughtful bags encompass a range of necessities, from blankets to books, offering vital support to new parents during their journey. Shannon Herink, representing the Christ Child Society of Omaha, emphasized that these bags not only provide practical essentials but also inspire hope. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “These bags not only provide the essentials that they may need but also offer some hope.”
The significance of this project extends beyond the direct recipients. Students participating in the initiative gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission and the importance of community service. Herink underscored the educational aspect, saying, “They’re learning about our organization and our mission and providing service and help for others.”
Furthermore, the project aligns with one of Duchesne Academy’s core goals: fostering social awareness that leads to meaningful action. Nora Barth, a sophomore at the academy, noted, “It’s being aware of stuff that’s going on in the community, local or bigger than local, and then doing something about it.”
Once the baby bags are fully assembled, volunteers will distribute them to numerous agencies spanning Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Lincoln. This endeavor exemplifies a win-win scenario, benefiting both the recipients and the compassionate students involved.
Ella Rudersdorf shared her sentiments, saying, “It feels really good. I feel like I’m helping out the community, and it’s really good to see our class working together.”
Social service organizations that will receive these essential baby bags include Project Harmony, Child Saving Institute, and Heartland Hope Mission.