Every student at St. Jude School in grades PK four through eighth gathered together with the Ladies of Charity, the St. Jude Rosary Group and Council of Catholic Women to assemble almost 300 Easter Baskets that will be donated to families in need and used as a fundraiser for the Ladies of Charity.
The Ladies of Charity, Chattanooga, works with organizations throughout the city to providing needed assistance for utilities, food, medicine, housing, clothing and other expenses for marginalized individuals and families.
St. Jude School students and parishioners have been collecting baskets, toys, stuffed animals, bubbles, coloring books and so many other items since Catholic Schools Week kicked off on Jan. 29. McKee food assisted in providing treats for the baskets.
The Reta Rogers Easter Basket Project was founded by Joni Hotchkiss in 2006. What started out as a small idea has grown into one of the Ladies of Charity’s largest fundraisers. The project was named after the late Reta Rogers, an active volunteer, who insisted that every basket contain a sweet treat for each child to enjoy. When Mrs. Hotchkiss gave up the project, it was adopted by St. Jude School.