Lent is supposed to be a period of sacrifice and time to concentrate on one’s spiritual connection with God. However, along with giving up, we should also remember to give. The ACYOA Juniors have been concentrating on this theme during the time of Lent.

      On Saturday, February 24, ACYOA Juniors met with Hayr Soorp early in the morning for breakfast and Bible Study. During this time, we discussed the importance of helping those in need. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works” (Matthew 5:16). After this period of reflection, the ACYOA Juniors, Hayr Soorp, and our chaperones loaded the cars with the coats and blankets collected from the Coat and Blanket Drive we held during November, December and January. We headed to one of the Salvation Army headquarters located in Ridgewood, where we were greeted with open arms and our donations were greatly appreciated. It was an indescribable feeling knowing that our simple donation of coats and blankets, things we usually take for granted, will relieve and perhaps even save the lives of the needy on a cold winter day.  

       The ACYOA Juniors’ theme of giving and caring did not end there. On March 4, after church, we hosted our annual Blood Drive in Kalustyan Hall until 4:30. In association with the New York Blood Center, we volunteered to recruit blood donors to help end the emergency blood shortage. This year, our Blood Drive was able to collect 26 pints of blood compared with last year’s 22 pints. Together, we helped save more than 75 lives!

      On behalf of all the ACYOA Juniors, I would like to thank everyone who helped donate coats and blankets, and to all those who participated in our Blood Drive. We hope our good deeds have inspired you to get in the spirit of Lent, of giving and of helping those who are less fortunate.