In their backyards and around the globe, Austin students are working to fulfill the needs of others this spring.

In February, the National Honor Society organized a school-wide can drive, and our community listened! NHS collected over 1,000 cans for the Reading Food Pantry in the "Souperbowl".

Following the devestating earthquake in Haiti, Campus Ministry, with the support of the Friends of Rachel Club, collected over $4,000 for Catholic Relief Services.

The Student Council's "Cougars on the Catwalk" fashion show collected monetary and clothing donations for both St. Francis House and Lazarus House Ministries.  Students visited Lazarus House in Lawrence on March 9th to drop off their donations and learn more about the organization's multi-dimensional approach to interrupting the cycle of poverty in one of the state's poorest communities.

Austin's annual Senior Service program is in full swing, with seniors volunteering each week at nursing homes, shelters and other community outreach programs. Students complete written reflections following each visit to reach a greater understanding of what they have learned from their experience.

Linens for Lent is underway! Donations of new twin sheet sets, towels, white cotton socks and toiletry items for the homeless guests of the Lynn Shelter are most gratefully appreciated during this Lenten season. Gifts can be dropped off in front of the altar in the chapel until March 26th.