MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY 2023

On Thursday, Sept. 22, Mercy High School’s entire student body participated in the 10th Annual Make a Difference Day at 16 different organizations throughout Metro Detroit.

Make a Difference Day, or Mercy Day, is a long-standing Sisters of Mercy tradition that represents the charism of Mercy schools globally.

“Students, faculty and staff always look forward to working for excellent causes with energy, purpose and joyful hearts,” said Dr. Cheryl Kreger '66, President, Mercy High School.

Each year students prepare to spend three hours of service time to an organization helping with anything from beautifying properties, prepping donation boxes, to cleaning up parks.

“As a Catholic institution it is essential we help our students discover their gifts and talents so they may share these gifts with those in our world,” said Holly Markiecki-Bennetts, Director Faith in Action, Mercy High School. “Make a Difference Day is an opportunity for our students to see themselves as part of our intercultural, global Mercy Education family which spans 55 schools, six countries and one territory.”

This year, nearly 50 students prepped 14 boxes containing 201 lbs of rescued groceries at Forgotten Harvest. This is food that came from local big box grocers that would otherwise have been wasted if not for volunteer help.

“It was a pleasure having Mercy here to help us sort food,” said Nicole Peeples, volunteer manager, Forgotten Harvest. “They were charming, and took sorting very seriously. I hope they enjoyed themselves as much as our team enjoyed them and I also hope they know that they made a difference that day, without them, that food would have had to go in the dumpster.”

At the Salvation Army, 45 girls painted kettles red to help prepare for the charity's bell-ringing season.

Over 80 students traveled to Southwest Detroit to reinvigorate Clark Park by collecting trash and raking leaves.

Collectively, our students and staff contributed 1,700+ hours of community service bettering organizations that help those in Metro Detroit.

“Everyone's spirits were lifted after serving in so many different ways on this special day,” said Dr. Kreger.

For more information about Mercy High School’s charism, visit www.mhsmi.org/mission/core-values.