At first glance, a road race, world hunger and hospice do not have a lot in common. At Regina Elementary, these three are service-related examples of how a Catholic school does not stand alone.
Each month, a different grade level at Regina Elementary organizes a service project that supports an organization in the Johnson County community. During September, the third grade helped organize, support and promote the Run for the Schools by organizing a Penny Wars collection and participating in a Torch Run with other elementary schools. The Run for the Schools is a joint community fundraiser sponsored by Regina Catholic Education Center, the Iowa City Community School District and many local businesses.
In October, the entire school is collecting food for the World Hunger Mass and Character Counts Week. The food donations will be delivered to local charities and organizations that help those in need.
Future service projects for this year will include collecting donations and supplies for the Ronald McDonald House, Iowa City Hospice, Regina High School’s Guatemala service trip, and the Domestic Violence Intervention Program. All of these service projects serve as a connection between different stakeholders.
“As an extension of the four parishes in Iowa City and Coralville, we are called to serve others,” Regina Elementary Principal Celeste Vincent said. “To make service meaningful to each student, grade levels take on the responsibility and leadership of planning and organizing a service project that makes a connection to our greater community.
“These service projects between parish, school and community help to strengthen the bonds between all three,” Vincent added.
