In a joyful start to the school year’s service initiatives, Oak Knoll’s Parents’ Association recently refreshed the front entrance of the Vito A. Gallo Senior Building with seasonal mums, ornamental cabbage, and fall wreaths, creating a warm welcome for residents and visitors alike.

Operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Summit, the Vito A. Gallo Senior Building provides 125 units for moderate- to low-income seniors and is one of three local residences alongside Weaver Street and Glenwood Place. The beautification project reflects Oak Knoll’s Holy Child ethos of service—honoring the dignity of each person and strengthening ties with our neighbors.

The Parents’ Association’s work at Gallo is part of a robust, year-round commitment to the wider community. In recent months, PA volunteers have:

• Sorted food, assembled boxes, and prepped meals at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey

• Made sandwiches for Bridges Outreach to support those experiencing homelessness

• Supported the Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry in Newark

• Wrapped gifts for children in Paterson in partnership with St. John’s Cathedral

• Provided monthly lunches for the Dominican Sisters in Summit

• Assembled gift bags with clothing and essentials for newborns through Birth Haven

Looking ahead, the Parents’ Association will convene its next service project in November at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. We are grateful to our parent community for modeling compassionate leadership and inviting our students to live out service with joy.