Knightly News

The holiday season is always a time for giving, and this year the Episcopal community has gone above and beyond. According to Service Learning Coordinator Kristina St. George, the school community set ambitious goals for the Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry “Great Turkey Giveaway” food drive, and together, “we didn’t just meet them, we smashed them!”

Each division was challenged to collect 500 food products to help assemble holiday meals for 500 families in need. In addition, the school community raised more than $10,000 to provide turkeys and pans in which to cook them. Here’s a look at the food drive results:

• Lower School: Over 500 boxes of potatoes
• Middle School: More than 600 seasonings
• Upper School: Over 700 cans of vegetables
• School‑wide giving: At least $10,000 raised for turkeys

A Lesson in Kindness

The support for the “Great Turkey Giveaway” was impressive, but it wasn’t just about collecting food. It was also about learning and growing together. Back in the classroom, sixth grade religion students explored the realities of food insecurity and discussed the very real needs that exist in the local community. The lesson focused not only on the importance of meeting immediate needs but also on building awareness and compassion for the long term.

St. George advised students that every act of kindness makes a difference, including how the students helped her move the donated items to one central campus location. “Moving that food was an act of kindness,” she said. “That made a huge difference for me.” After relocating the food last week, students loaded the Episcopal bus this week to personally deliver the food to the food pantry. Once at the pantry, the Middle School students organized the food for the weekend giveaway. This weekend, Upper School students will also be on hand to help distribute meals to the clients. “I am so proud to work with such a loving and generous community,” said St. George with pride.

Episcopal service learning experiences help students understand the positive impact they can have on others, in both big and small ways. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the “Great Turkey Giveaway.” Your generosity has made a difference for hundreds of families this holiday season, and your spirit of service continues to inspire us all.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.