Every December at Ursuline Academy, Christmas spirit can be felt throughout the campus regardless of where you go. The countless Christmas trees, wreaths, and the music that plays over the loudspeaker before school begins instills Christmas cheer within our school community. However, it is the annual Clothe-a-Child program and gift-wrapping day that truly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas at Ursuline and will forever be a favorite tradition.
Beginning in late November, each advisory is assigned a child to clothe and buy necessities for through the Yawkey Foundation, located in Dorchester, MA. Each child will receive items including jackets, pants, shirts, accessories, books, socks, and more. Every advisory participates in picking the perfect selection of items and clothes for their child, as well as wrapping the gifts as a team.
With the help of Campus Ministry as well as other faculty and staff members, the Tea Room tables are adorned with wrapping paper, bows, and all the necessities to make these gifts special and memorable for the children. Each advisory wraps the gifts for their child, placing them in a Santa-style sack with their name tag on top, to be delivered to them as Christmas nears.
This annual tradition is a true reflection of the spirit of Saint Angela Merici and our school’s motto, “Serviam”—to serve. Ursuline students are not only celebrating the joy of the Christmas season, but also living out the true meaning of Christmas: giving back and serving the local community with heart and compassion.