Inspired by knowing that those who need help are often hesitant to reach out, St. Leo the Great School second-grade teacher Bridget Matthews began the Angels Sharing Boxes project.

Matthews and students of the Lincroft school have placed two Angels Sharing Boxes full of donated non-perishable food items in the town. One box outside Silver Tulip Florist is dedicated to the students, faculty and staff of St. Leo the Great School.

The second box is located on the grounds of St. Leo the Great Church, and is dedicated to the memory of school alumnus Kevin Kret and his family for sharing their inspiration and hope. Kevin suffered a traumatic brain injury during a skateboarding accident in 2009; he passed away in 2020.

The box on school grounds will be filled through food drives from each grade and the parish’s Ignite Youth Group throughout the year. 

“The idea behind this charity is to take what you need and give when you can,” Matthews explained. “Everyone needs help occasionally, and some people might not know where to get help, not qualify, or just be embarrassed to ask. Our hope is that people will adopt boxes and there will be boxes all over to help people in need.” 

Students in St. Leo the Great School regularly help the community, participating in a character development program called The Positivity Project. In 2020, the school was recognized as a National School of Character, only one of 84 in the United States and the first Catholic school in New Jersey to gain the distinction.

The public is invited to participate in the Angels Sharing Boxes as a donor or recipient. Information on community services available can also be found in the boxes. Email [email protected] for more information.