Jesuit’s Sodality and the Class of 1984 continue to live out their Ignatian identity by leading the 5th Annual Winter Clothing Drive and, together, collecting cold-weather items for the Harry Tompson Center (HTC). They cannot succeed without the help of every Blue Jay who walks the halls at Carrollton and Banks.

“Today is the official start of the 5th annual winter clothing drive,” said freshman Sodalist Aidan Couvillon. “Each year, the classes of ’84 and ’67 co-operate with Freshman Sodality to gather clothes and shoes for the homeless. During this drive, boxes are placed throughout our school. These boxes are for donations of old or new clothes. Please bring coats, hats, and gloves, whether new or used. New socks and underwear are also very helpful.” In addition to gently-used winter coats and gloves, warm hats, shoes, belts, and backpacks, check out other items on the Harry Tompson Center’s wish list here.

The student body has 21 days to gather as much support as possible to benefit those less fortunate at the Harry Thompson Center. Taking part in the drive is “a simple and easy way to be a man for others,” Couvillon added , “so please take advantage of this opportunity.” The Sodalist then introduced Ward Rice ’84 to speak about service, sharing a little about his experience working at the Harry Tompson Center (HTC).

Rice left Blue Jays with a relevant quote from the Gospel of Luke 22:27, when Jesus says to his disciples,

“For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves.“

Founded by Fr. Harry Tompson, S.J., the HTC provides day shelter for the chronically homeless. As part of the center’s extensive programming, the HTC aims to reintegrate as many homeless as possible back into mainstream society, helping to meet their most basic needs by providing clothing and personal hygiene items. To further its meaning, mid-drive a volunteer from the center will speak to Sodality students about homelessness in New Orleans, as well as HTC’s work in combating it. At the drive’s conclusion, alumni and students will deliver the donations to the HTC.