January 23, 2015

Catholic Schools Week Supplement

Students’ special “Soup in a Jar” helps to nourish needy families

Fourth-grade students Jack Bryant and Sophia Denison of Holy Family School in New Albany help to create “soup in a jar” to benefit families in need. (Submitted photo)

Fourth-grade students Jack Bryant and Sophia Denison of Holy Family School in New Albany help to create “soup in a jar” to benefit families in need. (Submitted photo)

By John Shaughnessy

For 20 years, Amy Huber and Kim Huff have helped their fourth-grade students at Holy Family School in New Albany add a special touch of warmth to the lives of families during the holiday season.

It’s all part of an effort that is called “Soup in a Jar.”

“Parent volunteers come in the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and help the students make ‘Soup in a Jar’ to raise money for the less fortunate,” Huber says. “The children bring in their orders of soup, and the money they raise goes to buy food and Christmas gifts for needy families. Holy Family’s cafeteria is warmed with not only soup but the sheer joy of making someone else’s Christmas extra special.”

The experience provides a satisfying feeling for the students, too.

“It is important to help others because it makes you feel good about yourself,” says Presley Kirk. “When you do this, God is very happy, and you are following God’s rules.”

Fourth-grader Brantley Whitlock adds, “It is nice to help others because it is the way Jesus taught us.”

Huber sees a long-lasting benefit to “Soup in a Jar” for her students.

“They are brought together to give thanks for everything they have and to touch the hearts of other families. By participating in this service project, their faith is also strengthened, and they are shown that anyone can make a difference.” †

Local site Links: