Call for donations! Loaves & Fishes Day of Service

For 40 years, Stuart has provided the noon meal for Loaves and Fishes at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Perry Street in Trenton on the last Saturday in January. We join this organization on this particular day to offer a warm meal and hospitality in a time of cold and scarcity.

We would like to ask each member of our school community to participate; there are several ways in which families can help. 

1. $2 Donation: Each student is asked to donate $2.00 for the purchase of food and to bake brownies in disposable trays.

2. Requests by Grade: Each grade level will be responsible for specific donated items, similar to the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Below are requests by grade, which include drop-off directions. Please read carefully as locations/details differ by division. Rather than plastic bags, please only provide your supplies in reusable shopping bags. L&F has transitioned to reusable bags only. 

• Early School, Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten & Lower School Faculty:  juice box drinks (10+)

• Grades 1 and 2: apples and/or oranges (10 – 12)

• Grades 3 and 4: Individually wrapped brownies or cookies (12+)

• All Lower School students: Toiletries (bar soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes)

• Grades 5 & 6: Large loaves of white or wheat bread (2 loaves), and pre-packaged lunch meat (2 packages). Please don’t bring cuts from the deli.

• Grades 7 & 8: Pre-packaged lunch meat (2 packages), and individually wrapped cheese slices (2 packages). Please don’t bring cuts from the deli.

• Grade 9: apples and/or oranges (10-12)

• Grade 10: instant mashed potatoes (1-2 large boxes)

• Grade 11: individually wrapped brownies or cookies (12 or more)

• Grade 12: instant mashed potatoes (1-2 large boxes)

• All MS & US students: We are also in great need for donations of new or gently used warm hats, gloves, and socks in adult sizes. Feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads) and toiletries (bar soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes) will also be collected. We will distribute these items to guests in need while we serve the meal.

3. Due Date: Please start sending in donations the week of January 26 but wait to send perishable items on Wednesday, January 28 or Thursday, January 29. We will collect the items and money in Lower School classrooms. Middle and Upper School students should should bring their donations to the Serpentine Parlor. 

4. Volunteer at Loaves & Fishes: On Saturday, January 31, Stuart families, students, staff, and faculty will set up and serve the meal from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. We would love to have Upper School students and their families helping at the meal. Any amount of time and help is appreciated. Tasks include preparing food in the kitchen, serving meals, distributing bagged lunches and toiletries, and playing with the children. We may also need a few volunteers to transport food from Stuart at 8 AM. Please sign up using this form: Loaves and Fishes Sign-Up 2026.

For questions, please contact Kristen Zosche: kzosche@stuartschool.org