Multiple snowstorms forced a delay, but not a stop, to Holy Cross Catholic School’s collection of items for the Preble Street Shelter in Portland and the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook.

Representatives from both organizations attended a prayer service Feb. 6 at Holy Cross Church in South Portland for a presentation by students who led collection efforts.

"We collected so much that the Animal Refuge League had to send for their van to get everything home," said Christine L’Abbé, principal at Holy Cross.

The students gathered books, socks and mittens for the shelter and rugs, sheets and newspapers for Animal Refuge League. The collection began as a service project for Maine Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 25-31) but was extended after school was cancelled for multiple days due to inclement weather.

"During this project, we took the time to think about how our faith teaches us to live, learn, share, help and serve so that we can be the kind of people that Jesus wants us to be and bring his love to others," L’Abbé said. "Every school is a place of learning, but what makes our school different is that we are also a place of faith."

In addition, students created thank you cards, cookies and cookie bags for police, fire and rescue personnel in South Portland. Lt. Todd Bernard of the South Portland Police Department thanked the children for their efforts and kindness during the prayer service.