Special to The Michigan Catholic | Michelle Samartino

Utica — It wasn’t about the gifts they received at Christmas, donated by the students from St. Lawrence Elementary School in Utica, but their kind hearts that made the day extra special for many families in southwest Detroit.

“It was a beautiful experience to be helped by the generosity of people that serve people who are in some kind of distress like my family,” said Julia S., mother of Alani, 13, Alex, 10, and Lea, 4, all of whom were recipients of the gifts. “I was feeling blessed and worried.”

“When I heard that our family had been adopted to receive presents, my heart pounded with joy,” added Julia, who is from Puerto Rico. “Thank you, God, for the people that helped my children to have a warm Christmas.”

Last month, the St. Lawrence PTO sponsored an Advent Christian service project to benefit an inner-city charity, Loaves and Fishes Southwest Detroit. The project was led by Rose DeMaria, a parent at the school and a member of St. Lawrence Parish’s Christian Service Committee.

Thirty families were adopted, with each classroom sponsoring a family, providing them with gifts including clothing and toys. More than 700 donations were collected.

The donations were blessed by associate pastor Fr. Sal Palazzolo at the all-school Mass Dec. 10, with representatives present from Loaves and Fishes.

Cathy Ciolino, principal of the school, was thrilled with the response of her more than 800 students. “I cannot express how excited I was with the generosity of so many families from St. Lawrence who outdid themselves, showing their faith and knowing that giving to others is what it’s all about.”

Knowing there were so many others with compassionate hearts meant a great deal to Julia, a member of St. Stephen/Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Detroit, who said, “God is important to us because He is the One that keeps us together and helps our families to continue hoping for a better tomorrow. God is the One that gives light to the hearts of people and turns them into ways of generosity.

“We like to share what we have knowing that there is someone always in need,” Julia added.

Giving to others in need is not hard to do for St. Lawrence student Naomi Fonseka, who donated to the project.

“We should give to others because that is what God called us to do, and because we have the power to change the world,” said Fonseka, a fifth-grader. “The Holy Bible teaches us that ‘when much is given, much is expected.’ That is exactly the definition of our life.

“God gives us so many blessings, so He expects us to give back to Him by giving to others,” said the 10-year-old. “That is the meaning of life, the true way of living. And it is so simple. Put others’ needs before your own, and give to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Of course when we do this, it pleases God.”

So knows Anne Zarargoza, board president at Loaves and Fishes Southwest Detroit, who said she was grateful for the donations. “We can’t do it alone,” she said, speaking at the Mass. “You shared this with us, with Christ,” noting that the gifts would put smiles on the faces of 150 children who would be receiving them.

“You paved the way for Christ to come into their lives, and we can’t thank you enough,” she added.

Fonseka said she understands the importance of helping others, no matter the time of year. “We can all give. We don’t always have to try and make mega differences, because every little bit counts to God, and it makes a big difference to someone else in need.”