LA PORTE, INDIANA, DECEMBER 16, 2025: Family Advocates is grateful to La Lumiere School’s Parent Association and student leaders for their generosity and compassion through a recent holiday gift drive.
 
The gift drive, organized by the La Lumiere Parent Association members Joanne Fitzsimmons-Abele and Jessica Mace, provided meaningful holiday gifts to teens in need, helping ensure they could experience the joy and magic of the season. The effort was supported by La Lumiere seniors who serve as prefects; student leaders who model service, advocacy, and community responsibility.
 
Christian Lake, Head Prefect, shared that service is an important part of recognizing privilege and responsibility. “I think going to La Lumiere is a privilege, and acknowledging that is really important,” Lake said. “Knowing others may not be able to have a happy Christmas, it’s important to help out and do what we can to make sure others can have a good Christmas too.”
 
Giving back is deeply woven into the culture at La Lumiere. Erin Morrison, Academic Prefect, explained that acts of service help strengthen the community and create shared responsibility.
 
“Everyone should be able to experience the magic of Christmas,”Morrison said.
“It’s really important to give to those in need.” For sisters Isabella and Gabriella Robles, service is both a school commitment and a family value. As Hospitality Prefect and Residential Life Prefect, the twins are involved in planning events, organizing service opportunities, and volunteering off campus.
 
“We know how fortunate we are,” they shared. “Our parents taught us to always
give back when we can.” Faith Prefect Jack Albano noted that generosity is encouraged throughout the school year, including during Giving Tuesday events and friendly competitions that inspire students to support one another and the broader community.
 
Family Advocates extends sincere appreciation to the Parent Association, the student prefects, Headmaster Andy Webster, and all who contributed to making this effort possible.
 
“This partnership highlights the impact of youth leadership and community
collaboration,” said Jackie Dermody, Executive Director at Family Advocates. “It’s
inspiring to see students, families, and school leaders come together to support teens in our community.”
 
Family Advocates serves children, teens, and families through advocacy, mentoring, and supportive programs, working to create safety, stability, and hope throughout the community. To learn more about their mission visit www.lpfamilyadvocates.com.
 
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About Family Advocates: Family Advocates is a La Porte County based nonprofit, providing advocates for abused and neglected children through the CASA Program. Family Advocates also holds two mentor programs (CYA and Slicer Champions) and provides supervised visitation in our Harmony House Program.