HARTSDALE — Maria Regina High School’s student body supported those in need through various service activities during an All Saints Day—Day of Prayer and Service on Friday, November 1.

The campaign by the all-girls Catholic high school built on the first All Saints Day—Day of Prayer and Service from four years ago, a post-COVID-19 pandemic initiative to reconnect students with service work. 

The day began with Mass, followed by speeches from Brian Harrington, senior vice president of advancement at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center; Kiera O’Connor (Class
of ’15); Moira Gomez-Madonia (Class of ’72); and Trena Yonkers Talz
(P’28).

Continuing their 29-year tradition of “500 feeding 500,” students launched their annual Thanksgiving Drive, collecting turkeys and nonperishable food for St. Peter, St. Denis, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Yonkers.

“This year’s program of service opportunities demonstrated remarkable range and scope,” said Principal Maria Carozza-McCaffrey (Class of ’99). “Our students built upon long-standing traditions to enhance their contributions to meaningful causes.”

The senior class participated in five service trips supporting community organizations:
– HOPE Food Pantry in New Rochelle, serving more than 100 nutritious meals nightly
– Topfield Equestrian Center in Cold Spring, providing therapeutic horse interactions for people with physical and behavioral challenges
– The Sharing Shelf in Port Chester, addressing clothing needs for Westchester youth
– GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester in Ardsley, supporting Down syndrome awareness
– Hillside Food Outreach in Mount Kisco, providing food for homebound individuals

Since September, Patrice McDermott, associate director of Catholic Mission and Outreach, and Maryellen Laino, director of Campus Ministry, had guided Maria Regina’s 486 students in developing service projects.

Student initiatives included:
– Creating artwork for placemats used by Hillside Food Pantry’s homebound clients
– Juniors sewing sanitary product pouches for Tanzanian students through EdPowerment, a nonprofit led by alumna Moira Gomez-Madonia (Class of ’72)

“We have much that we sometimes take for granted,” McDermott said. “Find a cause close to home and bring your best self to it, whether it’s a nursing home, hospital, or food pantry.”

Maria Regina High School is a Catholic institution where young women pursue academic excellence, develop compassionate leadership, and embrace a life of charity, truth, and service. For more information, visit their website.