When things get tough, the Musketeers’ spirit comes alive in the parents, students, teachers and staff of St. Theresa Catholic School.
No sooner had Hurricane Irma struck, when Juan del Cerro — father of St. Theresa students Gabriela, Carolina and Santiago, and husband of Jennifer Torrent, an eighth grade teacher at the school — asked Sister Rosalie Nagy, principal, if a drive could be conducted for families in deep South Dade and the Keys. Of course, Carmelite Sister Rosalie agreed.
With the initiative of Osvaldo Guerra, a 17-foot truck was rented and through social media, the drive was announced.
“We are collecting non-perishable food, water, diapers, blankets, toys, clothes and other necessities for those who have little to nothing left,” del Cerro said. “We are coordinating with local elected officials to bring the goods to Homestead in a staging area, and then, from there, the goods will be distributed to those in need.”
Parents and students rallied to the call for the two-day collection, which started on Sept. 19 as students arrived at 7:30 a.m. By 9 a.m. the truck was filled as items continued to pour in.
“We will make one delivery today so the truck is empty and ready to receive more items tomorrow,” del Cerro explained.
“Parents and students are grateful for the opportunity to reach beyond themselves in this community effort,” Sister Rosalie said. “Students had smiles on their faces as they made their donations. It helps them realize that even when things get difficult, even in little ways, as St. Theresa herself evidenced, we as the St. Theresa Musketeer Community can make a difference in the lives of people that have nothing left.
“Many of our school families still do not have their power on, but they can still lend a helping hand. It’s a learning experience for our students in service to others,” Sister Rosalie concluded.
