Mount Mercy Academy’s students and staff continued to be busy serving the community during the month of February.  Although the month is the shortest one, there was no shortage of service done by the students at Mount Mercy. One of the missions of Mount Mercy Academy is compassionate service. This mission was well met in February as the school assisted organizations such as Fantastic Friends and For Every Little Handprint. Once again Campus Minister and senior theology teacher Mary Colby is asking members of the senior class to plan and coordinate a service project.  Projects continued, as six seniors initiated service projects and the school also had other service activities.   

Senior Sara Geiser (West Seneca) worked with several students to make cards and cookies for the Sisters at the Mercy Center. Geiser wanted to honor the sisters for their lifetime of selfless service and show her appreciation for the example they set.  

Krista Stephany, (Buffalo) another senior, led a group of volunteers who helped out at the Fantastic Friends Winter Carnival.  Tammy Nelson of Fantastic Friends, said the group of Mercy volunteers for the Winter Carnival were a great group, and that Stephany was one of the most helpful volunteers she had ever had.

Senior Chloe Freedenberg (Lakeview) led a group of seniors in participating in the Buffalo Burrito Project.  The students helped to prepare burritos and small care packages for the homeless. Freedenberg felt that the project was important for students because it provided a new perspective about the challenges of homelessness, and an understanding of the importance of care, compassion and connection.  

Several students spent an afternoon at the Mercy Center, playing Bingo with the Sisters of Mercy.  In addition, as part of Spirit Week, the students donated almost 500 toiletry items to Vive La Casa, a shelter that provides intermediate housing for families seeking asylum.
Katie Hughes, a senior from Orchard Park, recruited volunteers to help out with the For Every Little Handprint (which was founded and is run by Mount Mercy senior Olivia Larson)  happy hour fundraiser.  Hughes and several senior volunteers were there to help out, supporting a great cause and their classmate.  

The Mount Mercy community continues to follow Catherine McAuley’s vision of compassionate service and affirming the dignity and uniqueness of individuals.