At St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School, we believe that service isn’t just something we talk about—it’s who we are. Teaching our students to become compassionate leaders has been part of our school’s DNA from the beginning, and there’s no better time to put that into practice than Christmas, with holiday service projects that uplift our community. 

When families come together to serve others, something beautiful happens. Our community grows closer, our faith deepens, and we create memories that last far beyond the season. Holiday service projects give our students real, hands-on ways to live out what we believe, bringing hope and help to neighbors who need it most. 

Learn Why Clearwater Families Choose St. Cecelia

Join Us for These Upcoming Events and Holiday Service Projects

Christmas is a time for gratitude and generosity. Here are some local, hands-on ways your family can make a real difference right here in Clearwater.

Thanksgiving Food Drive or Holiday Meal Baskets

From November 2nd through November 23rd, Hope Villages of America is collecting non-perishable items at Chapel by the Sea in Clearwater. Join St. Cecelia’s food drive by gathering canned goods to help make sure every family in our community can sit down to a Thanksgiving meal. 

The Salvation Army is also looking for volunteers to help pack and distribute meals for their turkey distribution program—it’s a wonderful way to spend time together as a family while serving others.

Christmas Toy and Clothing Drives

Throughout December, there are plenty of opportunities to bring Christmas joy to children and families who need it. The Holiday Car, Truck & Jeep Show Toy Drive on December 20th is collecting donations, and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for both children and seniors. 

We’re also supporting Toys for Tots with a toy drive from November 21-December 12. You can donate new, unwrapped toys for ages 0-12. Your family can donate new toys, clothes, and essentials, or even volunteer to help sort and distribute gifts. Knowing you’ve helped make Christmas morning brighter for a child is what the season is all about.

Holiday Cards and Care Packages

Sometimes the smallest gestures mean the most. Consider spending an afternoon as a family creating heartfelt cards or care packages for seniors, homebound parishioners, or military members. 

These simple acts of kindness can truly brighten someone’s day, especially for those who might otherwise spend the holidays alone. St. Cecelia often organizes these efforts through classroom projects and parish outreach, making it easy for families to participate.

Through projects like these, our students don’t just learn about empathy and teamwork—they experience the genuine joy that comes from giving. And that’s a lesson they’ll carry with them long after the decorations come down.

The Impact of Holiday Service Projects at St. Cecelia

When your child participates in holiday service projects, they’re not just dropping off a can of food or wrapping a toy. They’re learning what it truly means to love their neighbor. They’re discovering that faith isn’t something we only practice on Sundays; it’s something we live every single day.

At St. Cecelia, we’ve seen how these experiences shape our students. A kindergartener who helps pack a meal basket begins to understand that not everyone has what they need. A middle schooler writing cards for seniors learns that a few kind words can chase away loneliness. These aren’t abstract lessons from a textbook—they’re real moments that form compassionate hearts and generous spirits.

Fostering Faith, Family, and Community

Holiday service projects also strengthen our school family. When parents and children serve side by side, you’re creating memories together while modeling the values you want your children to carry into adulthood. You’re showing them that our blessings aren’t just for us—they’re meant to be shared.

And here’s what we love most: service has a way of transforming everyone involved. Yes, we’re helping our neighbors in need, but we often find that we receive far more than we give. We come away with grateful hearts, a deeper sense of community, and a clearer understanding of what the holidays are really about. 

Let’s Make This Season Count

This season, we invite you to take that step with us. Ready to get started? Give us a call at (727) 461-1200 to learn more about upcoming service opportunities and how your family can participate. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and photos from our community service events throughout the season.