Loyola Student Dispatch

By Ellen Schaft

The mood was jolly as Loyola University Chicago’s Labre Ministry hosted its annual Labre Gives Tree Trimming Party.

The event was a way for Loyola students to learn about the Labre Ministry while making ornaments for the real Pine Christmas tree in the Terry Student Center lobby.

Maxwell Spector, 20, a junior communication major, was encouraged by a friend involved in Labre to attend the event.

“It was a lot of fun. I got to make an ornament with a Christmas wish and hang it on the tree. It has been fun to read all the ornaments and hear what my friends are really grateful for,” Spector said.

Rachel Ourada, a resident assistant in Baumhart Hall, thought the event was a great way to make campus seem cozy this holiday season.

“The party was a good kickoff to the holiday season,” Ourada said. “And everytime I walk into Baumhart, I can smell the Christmas tree. It feels very homey.”

Labre student companion, Hannah Colborn, 20, a junior communication major, greeted partygoers with cookies and hot chocolate and was excited to share Labre’s mission with fellow Loyolans.

“Labre is the homeless ministry here on campus, so we do things like donate food and time. This event is also really nice for [the Water Tower Campus] community,” Colborn said.

The student-led homeless outreach attempts to not only provide individuals in need with food and clothing, but with friendship as well.

As stated on the ministry’s webpage, Labre’s main focus is solidarity, rather than charity.

To get involved with Labre Ministry this holiday season, contact program director Nicole Chemla at nchemla@luc.edu.