St. Thomas More Students and Staff Build Structures of Hope for the Hungry

by Shannon Phillips

St. Teresa of Calcutta famously said, “Small things, done in great love, bring joy.”  At St. Thomas More Catholic High School, Canstruction is one such example. A school-wide service project, Canstruction asks students to collect non-perishable food items for Catholic Charities of Acadiana.  The student body sets a theme for the year and a goal for total collected cans.  Students then work in their homeroom classes to create a structure built within the theme.  This year, STM chose “A Few of Our Favorite Things” as the theme.  Each homeroom then selected their favorite thing and built it using cans donated by the students. This year’s goal is 20,000 cans.

Judges from Catholic Charities are invited to view all the structures and award prizes in various categories including Best Overall, Most Creative, and Best Use of Classroom Space.  

The joy felt on Canstruction Friday is undeniable as students compete with the common goal of feeding the hungry of Acadiana. There is often music, skits, and sussies for our judges.  It is beautiful to see the enthusiasm, creativity, and energy of students who have turned service into competition and festive fun. 

Canstruction culminates with the Cougar football players and coaches donating their time on Saturday morning after practice to deliver truckload after truckload of cans to the poor in Lafayette.  This year, STM donated 18,160 cans and enjoyed every step of the process showing that it is truly in giving that we receive.

Check out this TikTok view of what 18,160 canned goods looks like.

Get your school involved in driving support for Catholic Charities of Acadiana.