In celebration of Motherhood and the month of May, the Oak Knoll Parents’ Association hosted a “Baby Shower” on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, supporting Birth Haven. This independent, non-sectarian, nonprofit organization provides shelter, support, and education for homeless and/or pregnant women and girls throughout the tri-state area, regardless of race, ethnicity, religious belief, or life circumstance.

Before their classes commenced that day, daughters and their mothers gathered for Oak Knoll’s weekly Wednesday Morning Mass, sharing in the spiritual fellowship. Subsequently, the students proceeded to their academic schedules, while the mothers united in a morning dedicated to service and the celebration of the blessing of motherhood.

In an effort spearheaded by Sarah Fitzsimmons and Cristina Adragna, co-chairs of the Oak Knoll Parents’ Association Service Committee, the parent/guardian community collected and assembled enough supplies for 50 gift baskets, which were delivered to Birth Haven on Wednesday, May 8, just in time for Mother’s Day.

“Oak Knoll couldn’t be happier to support Birth Haven this year,” said Michele Van Kalsbeck, Director of Upper School Campus Ministry. “As a Catholic school and a Holy Child school, supporting people in need, especially expecting and new mothers, is at the core of our mission. As a school that stands in a long tradition of educating and empowering young women, we are so proud to be able to support women in need.”

The Baby Shower act of service is just one of the many ways Oak Knoll’s Parents’ Association lives out the school’s mission to contribute to the lives of others. Additional PA service activities throughout the year include volunteering at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, providing monthly lunches to the Dominican Sisters in Summit, beautifying the senior center in Summit, and making sandwiches for Bridges Outreach.