SAA Spreads Joy Through Acts of Service in the 2024 Holiday Season

Posted: January 10, 2025

At San Antonio Academy, the holiday season is a time for our boys to participate in impactful service projects that make a difference. These efforts nurture essential values like kindness, compassion, selflessness, and the importance of giving back. Join us as we highlight the inspiring ways each grade brought joy and positivity to our community.

Pre-Kindergarten boys enjoyed a special visit from Mr. Sonny Melendrez and his partner, Bono the Duck! After spending some time with Bono, the boys proudly presented toys they brought for donation to the Melendrez Community Center. These gifts will be wrapped and delivered to local children through Sonny’s Foundation.

Kindergarten boys were excited to visit our senior neighbors at Morningside Ministries at The Chandler Estate. During their visit, they put on a special performance, shared Thanksgiving cards, and enjoyed a friendly chat with the residents.

1st Grade showed their big hearts by collecting pet supplies for the San Antonio Humane Society. From puppy pads to dog and cat toys, the boys worked hard to gather everything needed to help aid this wonderful organization. They delivered the donations in person and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Humane Society's facilities. 

2nd Grade brought some holiday cheer to Morningside Ministries at The Chandler Estate during their holiday service project! First, they created festive holiday cards to send to military troops overseas. Then, they all played a few rounds of Christmas lotería—complete with awesome prizes and lots of smiles!

3rd Grade brought smiles to children in need by donating new toys to St. PJ’s Children’s Home, a safe and caring haven for kids in crisis. Their generosity is making the season brighter for boys and girls in our community! 

4th Grade embraced the spirit of giving by collecting new pajamas for children in need! These cozy donations, for both boys and girls, were delivered to Fox Run Elementary School in Northeast ISD, bringing warmth and comfort to children in our community.

5th Grade boys spread the holiday spirit by collecting and delivering new, unwrapped toys for boys ages 10–15 to support the Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM)! CAM serves over 60,000 people annually, including 14,000 children, through vital programs like their no-cost Christmas store. This tradition helps parents facing crises bring joy to their families during the holidays. We’re proud of our boys for making a difference and sharing the gift of joy this Christmas season!

6th Grade stepped up in a big way, collecting clothing and essentials to support the incredible work of the San Antonio Catholic Worker House! Since 1985, this organization has been a beacon of compassion, providing meals, housing, clothing, and social services to at least 100 people daily on the city’s eastside. Through their efforts, our students are living out the values of service and empathy, making a real difference in the lives of those in need.

7th Grade boys partnered with Morningside Ministries, San Antonio’s oldest and largest non-profit senior living group, for their holiday service project. The boys began by helping the residents prepare for gardening by filling planters with mulch and soil. Afterward, they moved indoors to host a tech support session, guiding residents through apps and other practical smartphone tips, all while sharing festive holiday treats together.

8th Grade boys teamed up with their Kindergarten buddies for a meaningful trip to Snack Pak 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help combat weekend hunger. With 1 in 4 children in San Antonio facing food insecurity, Snack Pak 4 Kids serves as a lifeline for many children and families. Together, our boys were able to help package over 1,000 bags of food.