Padua Raises Record-Breaking $43,247 in ‘Christmas For Others’ Charity Drive

Padua set a new school record collecting $43,247 in cash, in addition to thousands of donations for families and charities in need during our 54th annual Christmas For Others charity drive!

The Padua community gathered to celebrate its Christmas For Others Mass on Friday, December 19, 2025. Fr. Stephen DeWitt, OFM presided over the Mass, and during the homily, spoke about the importance of being Christ for others, especially during the Christmas season. “When we make God’s love present, people continue to see Christ’s light in the world,” said DeWitt. “The Padua community has brought good tidings in the form of toys, books, canned goods and coins this December. Bruins refuse to let anyone be forgotten this Christmas. When we give without expecting anything in return, Christ’s light shines in the darkness. The darkness shall not overcome.”

Representatives from most of the charities that are positively impacted by CFO were in attendance to receive the donations.

After Mass, President Dave Stec ’86 delivered an emotional reflection about this being the last CFO Mass and finale in our current gymnasium. “This space will always be remembered as a very special vessel of God’s love,” said Stec. “CFO can’t stay here, because next year’s celebration will move to the new Padua Athletic Center. But, CFO will not end. The tradition will go on. That’s the miracle of Christmas For Others. It changes people forever and it makes a real difference in our world. We are the vessel of God’s love. Wherever we go, we take CFO with us. Let us be people of care, of service, of giving. Let your gratitude for all of your blessings drive you to be extraordinarily generous to others, especially those in most need.”