Members of the Freshman Sodality, the Class of 1984, and the Class of 1967 at the Harry Tompson Center

Jesuit’s Winter Clothing Drive once again saw the past and the present come together to, in a small way, shape the future.

Last Friday after a two-week effort to collect cold-weather items for the Harry Tompson Center (HTC), the Freshman Sodality and the Class of 1984 concluded their 4th Annual Winter Clothing Drive. Following last year’s outstanding response, the group was eager to make a similar contribution to the HTC.

Jesuit community members did not disappoint. From winter coats and jackets to suits, sweaters, underwear, and personal hygiene supplies, students and alumni collected nearly a thousand items for the homeless men, women, and children served by the HTC. For the third straight year, the Class of 1967 did their part by donating around 60 pairs of tennis shoes.

As a project, the Winter Clothing Drive is a shining example of the many ways alumni willfully connect with their alma mater in service to the broader community. To learn more about “Alumni in Action as Men of Faith and Men for Others,” read the cover story from the last issue of Jaynotes.

The Freshman Sodality and the Class of ’84 plan to continue the drive for years to come, explained Joe McMahon ’84.

“Our class enjoys partnering with the Sodality,” McMahon said. “It was great to meet the young men who spearheaded the collection aspect of the drive. The biggest thing for us is realizing that we’re working with future Blue Jay alums, not just students, and I have no doubt that our class continues to do this.”

As a spiritual lesson, the clothing drive is crucially important for introducing young Sodalists into the virtues of Jesuit High School and the Society of Jesus. 

“The event is perfect for encouraging these young men to grow in charity, teamwork, and responsibility,” said Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., the director of the Jesuit Sodality, “especially as they work with alumni in a meaningful way.”

Class of 1984 representative Evans Schmidt launches the clothing drive at Morning Assembly on Friday, Jan. 11.