Pre-freshmen Hunter Tracey (left) and Guy Cresson woke up early this morning to get a jump start on their Thanksgiving Basket shopping. By shortly after 7 a.m., these two Blue Jays were already making their way to the car to unload their shopping cart full of groceries for their homeroom’s baskets.

Living their motto of “Men For Others,” students at Jesuit High School distributed Thanksgiving food boxes to approximately 400 needy families throughout New Orleans on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

The day usually began for students before 6 a.m. at Robért Fresh Market. Students and faculty met there to purchase the perishable goods needed to complete the baskets already begun with food collected over the last month. Students then returned to campus and worked with their homeroom classmates to prepare the baskets for delivery.

Later the school community gathers in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs for a Thanksgiving prayer service. Afterwards, students, parents, and teachers deliver the baskets to the homes of those who would not otherwise enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

The annual Thanksgiving Drive has been conducted by the students of Jesuit since the 1930s, and possibly earlier. It is organized and executed by the students under the guidance of Helen Swan, director of the school’s Service Projects Program.

Thanksgiving Drive Photo Galleries

Shopping for Baskets, Nov. 21, 2012

Baskets & Deliveries, Nov. 21, 2012

Prayer Service, Nov. 21, 2012