The Catholic faith has a long and rich tradition of service to those in need.

Catholic schools, Catholic youth groups and religious education programs often infuse service projects into the curriculum, instilling the values of charity, compassion and generosity.

The Valley Catholic has compiled a list of service project ideas for students of all ages. These are ideas that anyone can consider to help those in need. 

Sisters of St. Dorothy Missions
What they do: They sponsor children in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico, giving them the tools to continue their education.
What they need: $180 takes care of the needs of one student for an entire year, including uniforms, snacks, school supplies, personal hygiene products and more.
More: The students in Mexico enjoy corresponding with their sponsors by mail. It is a great opportunity for U.S. students to improve their Spanish skills and make new friends.
Contact person: Sister Maureen Crosby, SSD
Phone number: (956) 784-5041

Sharing Basket
What it is: The project feeds more than 5,000 families in the Rio Grande Valley in time for Thanksgiving.
What is needed: non-perishable food items
More: Volunteers are needed to help assemble the baskets on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan.
Contact person: Yesenia Guzman
Phone number: (956) 702-4088
Website: www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org

Comfort House
What they do: A 10-bed homelike facility in McAllen, Comfort House provides round-the-clock holistic care for people in the final stages of life.
What is needed: Urgent items include large trash bags, powder laundry detergent, Fabuloso, soft drinks, ground beef, pork chops, cold cuts, twin size sheets. For current and complete wish list, contact the facility.
Contact person: Mary Botello or Margaret Gutierrez
Phone number: (956) 687-7367

Aurora House
What they do: A four-bed residence located in Weslaco, Aurora House provides holistic and compassionate end-of-life care.
What is needed: office paper, laundry detergent (high efficiency), paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, soft drinks, tea bags, among many other items. For current and complete wish list, contact the facility.
Contact person: Kathy Scheuerman
Phone number: (956) 973-9690
Website: www.aurorahouse.org

Baby Boutique
What they do: Operated by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, it provides baby items for women in crisis pregnancy.
What is needed: Diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, baby formula, baby food, car seats (new), cribs (new) and diaper bags.
More: Please pray for the babies and their mothers.
Contact person: Sister Leticia Benavides, MJ or Ana Villanueva
Phone number: (956) 702-4088

La Posada Providencia
What they do: Located in San Benito, it is an emergency shelter for immigrants, asylum seekers and asylees recently processed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Provides clients with safe, clean shelter, local transportation and many other services.
What they need: personal hygiene products (toothpaste, razors, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, Kleenex, shampoo, lotion, combs, brushes), socks for men and women, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper.
More: Classes are welcome to bring their gifts in person and have a tour of the facility.
Contact persons: Missy Benavidez or Sister Zita Telkamp, CDP
Phone number: (956) 399-3826
Website: www.lppshelter.org

San Juan Nursing Home
What they do: The facility provides 24-hour nursing care for the elderly and infirmed. Operated under the guidance of the Diocese of Brownsville, the nursing home provides daily religious services.
What is needed: The residents often play bingo and need prizes. Prize ideas include socks, costume jewelry, hair accessories, coin purses, hand creams, neck wallets, regular wallets, handkerchiefs, baseball caps. For more ideas and information, contact the nursing home.
More: The residents would love for the youth to join them for a few bingo games. They also enjoy performances from students and youth groups.
Contact person: Fina Suarez or Maricela Guerra
Phone number: (956) 787-1771
Website: www.sanjuannursinghome.org

Ozanam Center
What they do: Located in Brownsville, the center provides services for the homeless, regardless of sex, color, creed, national origin or immigration status.
What is needed: men’s shoes, personal hygiene items, especially for men (razors, deodorant, shaving cream), blankets, coats, canned food, monetary donations
Contact person: Victor Maldonado
Phone number: (956) 831-6331