Seventh and eighth grade students from St. Paul the Apostle School in Los Angeles served sit-down turkey dinners with all the trimmings Dec. 17 to 20 children, aged 6 weeks to two, and their homeless and low-income families at St. Joseph Center (SJC) in Venice.

"We think it's wonderful that St. Paul the Apostle's entire Student Council would volunteer their time for the less fortunate on their vacation," said Betsy White, coordinator of SJC's Infant Toddler Development Center.

"Christmas is about making a difference," added Sue Bjelajac, St. Paul assistant principal, who coordinated the students and the event.

Last spring students and staff of St. Paul the Apostle School contributed over $20,000 from their Read-A-Thon to provide support for St. Joseph Center children and families who are working toward self-sufficiency. The Thanksgiving before last they contributed 185 boxes of food for the needy.

"We feel it contributes to the education of the whole child to be involved in service to the community," says Daughter of Mary and Joseph Sister Stella Maria Enright, principal for 36 years. "These are the future leaders of our country. It is important to give them a solid foundation."

St. Joseph Center has 11 programs on eight sites in Venice, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles, providing emergency services, child care, job training, and senior services to homeless and low-income individuals who are breaking the cycle of poverty. For more information on how to help, call 396-6468 ext. 325 or visit www.stjosephctr.org.