September
Canned Food Drive - Over 450 items Collected!!
At this season's TMI and Oakridge home football games, Community Service Representatives collected over 450 items in the Fall Semester consisting of can food, cereals, condiments, dressings, baby products, and other useful imperishables . All contributions were then delivered to the Christian Community Action organization for families in need. Given the success of this new Community Service program, the drive is planned to resume in the Spring Semester for both home basketball and soccer games (see below).

Partnership Walk 2004 - First Time Participation!!
Headed up by the Freshmen Representatives and Ian McLaughlin, Cistercian volunteers joined about 4,000 others at the steps of Dallas City Hall for a 3K walk through the city to raise awareness and funds in support of the health and rural development of poor countries in Africa and Asia. Underscoring the critical role that education plays in improving the over-all quality of life of these poorer communities, Partnership sponsors re-created a tent city in the City Hall Plaza as an interactive and informative experience of life in the third world. Thanks to Mr. Sayani (who supplies the Cistercian vending machines) for inviting us to join him for this event.

October
Austin Street Shelter - Over 400 Meals Served!!!
Carrying on a long established tradition at Cistercian in working with St. Francis Episcopal Parish on behalf of Dallas homeless, about 18-20 students gathered at the Church kitchen to prepare an evening meal of taco salad and sandwiches. Under the leadership of Deacon Paul Ledwitz of the parish, the food was then brought in caravan to the Austin Street Homeless Shelter for distribution. Sophomore Tim Williams offered the blessing and over 400 were served on this evening. A special thanks to Mr. Zimmern for his valuable assistance in transporting our volunteers. Cistercian will assist with two additional dinners again next semester (see below).

Special Olympics Bowling - New CCS Event!!!
Expanding on a seven year relationship with the Special Olympics, 27 students from the Upper School Forms joined with Mr. Nied and 22 volunteers of Form IV for the annual North Texas Bowling Tournament hosted at Don Carter Lanes off Walnut Hill. Students assisted in a variety of ways from 8:00-5:00 assisting bowlers to their lane and helping coordinate the awards ceremony to cheering with them their accomplishments. All present are already looking forward to the Track and Field Competition held at Bishop Lynch in the Spring (see below).

November
Downs Syndrome Guild Dance - The Tradition Continues!!
Under the leadership of our Sophomore Representatives, Cistercian Community Service was pleased to again assist Dr. Pruit in hosting the annual Downs Syndrome Guild Dance. Joined by numerous volunteers from both Ursuline and Hockaday, students transformed the school cafeteria into an "1980's" extravaganza. Guests were treated to the exciting music and entertainment of D.J. Ken Procter and took home souvenir instant photo buttons of Billy Buttons, Inc. So much appreciation to the Pruit's, our Ursuline and Hockaday volunteers, and the Downs Syndrome Guild for giving us the opportunity. A particular thank you also to the Meadows Foundation for helping underwrite our expenses.

December
Missionaries of Charity Christmas Drive
Clothes, jackets, backpacks, and toys for over 240 boys and girls were collected this year in both Upper and Lower Schools in conjunction with the annual Missionaries of Charity Christmas Drive. Students from each form volunteered in amazing numbers helping us surpass last year's contributions. Thanks to Mrs. Mary Clare Milner for all of her planning and execution of this wonderful program on behalf of the children of of St. James Parish in Dallas. Thanks also to all of the parents for helping our students in this worthwhile endeavor.

Habitat for Humanity - Witnessed Dedication of 400th Home!!
Through the coordination of Trey Mohr, our Habitat for Humanity liaison, Cistercian Upper Schoolers aged 16 and older were invited to help literally "raise the roof" for a soon to be new home owner in Oak Cliff. Joined by the three novices of the Abbey, the students worked from 8:30 in the morning into the late afternoon attaching plywood/insulation to the home's frame, nailing the roof supports in place, and cutting out windows and doors. A few weeks later, on Dec. 11, volunteers returned to the Oak Cliff neighborhood to finish up two nearby homes with landscaping efforts. Students worked together to plant five trees, prepare the soil, and plant grass in the front and back yards of both houses. As a special treat, students were able to see Mr. Miller Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, who flew in from Georgia for the dedication of Dallas' 400th house dedication. Thanks to Leslie Mohr and the Welch's for joining their sons in these projects.