NJHS Helm NFL Super Kids Drive

In the fall, representatives from the Super Bowl committee spoke to all the principals in the diocese about their collection project: “Super Kids – Super Sharing.”
The community initiative objective set forth by the Super Bowl Committee was to give local children the opportunity to have a positive impact in their commu-nity.
Students were urged to motivate their local communities to gather, through do-nations, lightly used sports equipment, new and used books and school supplies. The program was designed to distribute the donated items within the Super Bowl host communities to share with low in-come schools and other programs that serve children.
“Since we are a school in Arlington, the host city for the Super Bowl, I knew the project would have special appeal for our students,” explained Mr. Riley, who asked the school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter moderators Mrs. McCol-gan and Mr. Rodriguez to guide the group – and school -- in the project.
NJHS members designed posters, placed collection boxes in every pod, and raised awareness about the program throughout the school community.
Donations streamed in throughout the drive, items being donated before and the weeks following Christmas. NJHS accu-mulated massive amounts of books, school supplies and sports equipment – including a set of golf clubs.
On Jan. 20 several NJHS members, chaperones and moderators made their way to the Salvation Army collection site.
“The event was designed so students could witness the direct impact of their involvement,” Rodriguez said.
Upon arrival, the Holy Rosary students proudly distinguished themselves in their dress uniforms. Easily noticeable, the students unloaded donated items and were directed by volunteers to place items in appropriate locations amongst thousands of other donated items for sur-rounding schools and organizations, he added.
Students recognized representatives from other Diocesan Catholic Schools also par-ticipating in the event.
The students were invited to stay and meet representatives from the NFL and the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee, as well as, Dallas Cowboys players, cheerleaders and mascot, Rowdy. Students received autographs, pictures, and a thank you speech from the found-ing members of the NFL Environmental Program.
After sharing in a light snack, students then worked for an additional two hours sorting many items that were collected. Students categorized games by age levels, equipment according to sport and even sorted books. Many volunteers shared in the camaraderie of a common goal, laughing and joking as they built a tower of Chutes and Ladders and Candy Land games.
“Being a contributing component of an initiative that has such a positive impact was refreshing for our students,” Rodriguez said.