Regis High School Hosts Care Package Collection Drive

This past October, two students at Regis High School—one of our Jesuit partners—organized a highly successful supply drive to support our care package collection program! Under the leadership of Mr. Marselys Lucero, Director of Social Justice Initiatives at Regis, students Will Liao ‘22 and Francesco Agnello ‘24 rallied their classmates and the larger school community to collect a range of toiletries and personal care items that will benefit our brothers and sisters behind the walls.

Liao shared his own personal motivation to support those affected by incarceration. In an article posted to the school’s website, he recounts, “My friend Dante spent 3½ years in Attica for gun possession – but this isn’t the only thing that defines him. He’s also a regular customer at my parent’s health food store, a son, a dad, and the person who taught me everything I know about protein supplements since he’s an avid weightlifter like me,” shared Liao. “The residents of Ignacio House likewise aren’t defined solely by why they went to jail but also by their goals and dreams as returning citizens.”

Regis High School has long been a valued partner of Thrive For Life, particularly with our ministry at Rikers Island. Five years ago, Fr. Anthony Andreassi, CO, the principal of the school, organized a cohort of students to accompany Fr. Zach for a basketball and chess tournament with our brothers behind the walls.

Thrive For Life would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Regis High School family and students for their generosity and commitment to our mission to transform lives behind and beyond the prison walls. In the coming weeks, Regis and Ignacio House will embark on an exciting new level of partnership to build community among our scholars.