Service

ICSJ emphasizes the call to serve those in need through meaningful service projects woven into the school year. Guided by a vibrant Catholic Identity Committee, the school community organizes key initiatives, including a Thanksgiving Food Drive, a winter Coat Drive, and an Easter Food Drive. These efforts directly support the St. Joseph Food Pantry and our sharing parish, Assumption B.V.M. Church in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.

ACTS Day Service Project
Each grade takes turns leading the monthly ACTS Day Service Project, a student-driven initiative to research and select a community cause meaningful to them. Students educate the school community about their chosen cause and organize a fundraiser or donation drive to provide tangible support.

Additionally, students contribute to larger initiatives throughout the year, such as supporting The Women’s Center in October through the Baby Bottle Project and participating in Operation Rice Bowl in March, which provides food and farming materials to third-world countries.

Active Girl Scout Troops also lead impactful service projects, recently aiding organizations such as the Navajo Water Project, Nothing But Nets, PAWS, and Misericordia. These efforts, combined with student and family participation, embody ICSJ’s commitment to faith in action and community support.

ICSJ Food Pantry

The ICSJ Food Pantry, a cornerstone of our community, was established over 40 years ago by a former IC School teacher and the Community Relations Coordinator of Immaculate Conception Church. Originally created to serve the residents of Cabrini-Green, the pantry provided not only food and clothing but also assistance with job placement and access to larger household necessities.

Today, the Food Pantry operates from the basement of the former St. Joseph School at 1065 N. Orleans Street and continues to be a vital resource for those in need. Many ICSJ school service projects proudly support this enduring legacy, reinforcing our commitment to serving our neighbors and fostering a spirit of compassion and generosity.

Service Groups

ICSJ’s Green Team, our environmental action group, has introduced composting at both school campuses. This initiative teaches students the importance of sustainability and reducing waste, furthering ICSJ’s commitment to caring for the Earth as part of our shared mission to serve others and create a thriving community.

Annual Service Project

Each January, ICSJ students and faculty come together for a meaningful service project in celebration of Catholic Schools Week, an annual event that highlights the value of Catholic education and its commitment to faith, knowledge, and service. This special week emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and living out the Gospel message.

Recent service projects have included creating Valentine’s Day cards for residents of the Ray Graham Association, a center serving adults with physical and developmental disabilities, and organizing a book drive to support Immaculate Conception School in South Chicago. ICSJ students collected books for their classroom libraries and crafted handmade bookmarks for every student, fostering both literacy and connection.

This past year, the ICSJ community also organized a fundraiser drive to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, providing essential resources and support for families with children receiving medical care. These projects reflect ICSJ’s unwavering dedication to serving others and embody the spirit of Catholic Schools Week.