St. Mary Catholic School’s Sandwich Patrol Makes 1,000 Lunches

(Mokena) - St. Mary Catholic School students have been hard at work making a difference in their community through the Sandwich Patrol, a student-led initiative dedicated to fighting food insecurity. Under the guidance of Mrs. Tracy Cokinos, 7th and 8th grade Religion and Social Studies teacher, and Mrs. Danelle Bernas, students in 5th through 8th grades partnered with Catholic Charities of Joliet to assemble and donate lunches to those in need. Each lunch included a sandwich, granola bar, chips, fruit, and water, a well rounded meal for those in need.

Throughout the school year, students worked together to collect donations, prepare meals, and learn about the importance of serving others. Stephanie Hook and Derek Schultz from Catholic Charities visited St. Mary to educate students about food insecurity and how they can create positive change in their communities. They also spoke about DayBreak Shelter in Joliet, a Catholic Charities program that provides emergency housing, meals, and support services to individuals and families in crisis. Inspired by their message and the mission of the Sandwich Patrol, students put their faith into action by setting a goal of preparing 1,000 lunches, a goal they proudly achieved with the generosity of St. Mary's parents and community partners, including Fleckenstein’s Bakery, which provided fresh bread for the club.

“This has been an incredible opportunity to teach students how small actions can create a big impact,” said Mrs. Tracy Cokinos. “We were so excited to start Sandwich Patrol as a new club this year, and the students have embraced the mission. Seeing their enthusiasm and commitment to helping others has been inspiring, and I’m so proud of what they have accomplished.”

Stephanie Hook from Catholic Charities of Joliet expressed gratitude for the partnership and the
impact of the student-led efforts. “We are so grateful to St. Mary Catholic School for their dedication to serving those facing food insecurity. Being on the receiving end of their kindness and generosity is humbling, as we look forward to continuing this partnership.”

Through faith, service and compassion, St. Mary Catholic School’s Sandwich Patrol has not only helped provide lunches, but has also instilled in students the values of empathy, community, and stewardship. This initiative serves as a reminder that when we come together to serve others, we build a stronger community. St. Mary Catholic School remains committed to living out its Catholic values and fostering a spirit of giving, all while making an impact on the lives of those in need.

St. Mary Catholic School, serving students from preschool through 8th grade, is committed to nurturing academic excellence, faith formation, and a spirit of service in a supportive Catholic environment. The school celebrates a 75-year tradition of building strong values, a dedication to service, and a tight-knit community. Families interested in learning more about St. Mary or enrolling their child can contact Danelle Bernas, Marketing and Enrollment Coordinator, (dbernas@stmarymokena.org).