One of the ways to live the Quinquennial’s “Reviving Our Spirit” theme is by taking part in Operation Blessing Bag.
Gallon-size ziplock bags will be filled with travel-size toiletries, snacks, socks, etc. and, at the end of the Q, donated to St. Anthony’s Food Pantry, which provides food and clothing to those in need in St. Louis.
To make it more personal, a holy card in each bag will sport the words, “Filling this bag for you has been a blessing for me! I will keep you in my prayers.” The person filling the bag can sign her/his name.
Operation Blessing Bag sessions will take place throughout the Q where attendees can stop by and help fill some bags.
“A wonderful project for each fraternity and/or region will be to collect these types of items so that everyone will be taking part,” notes Kate Kleinart of the Q Planning Committee.
Q participants may bring donated items to the Congress or have them shipped in June to the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel.
For ideas on what to collect, see the Blessing Bag checklist.