RUMFORD — Helping students understand the importance of serving those in need is a central theme of Maine Catholic Schools Week, which will run from Jan. 26 through Feb. 1.

At Holy Savior School, on 115 Maine Ave., staff members hope that one activity featured in this year’s celebration will act as a springboard to a lifetime of giving back.

The school will participate in a service project for the organization Bags of Love, which fills handmade cloth bags with items for children who need to quickly leave their homes in an emergency situation, often ending up in foster care. On Monday, Jan. 27, students will divide items donated by school and area families in the school’s cafeteria and assemble the bags which will be offered during the offertory at the Holy Savior School Family Mass on Friday, Jan. 31.

“The bags are filled with handmade quilts, stuffed animals and personal items like toiletries,” said Barbara Pelletier, principal of Holy Savior School. “On Friday, Fr. Greg will bless the bags and the unknown children who will be the recipients. Stewardship helps us to develop and share gifts we have received in abundance, that we may serve others in a way that pleases God. This statement reflects what we want the children to learn: compassion and empathy for those who are less fortunate in our own community.”

The Bags of Love project is part of the annual Maine Catholic Schools Week which celebrates the mission of Catholic Schools: to evangelize students by nourishing faith and encouraging academic excellence while accentuating the importance of community and service in a nurturing environment.

As part of the week-long celebration, Holy Savior School will host a variety of special events. For a complete schedule of Maine Catholic Schools Week activities at the school, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/content/holy-savior-school-rumford.