CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 For nearly five decades, the Moody High School baseball team has helped kick off Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi\u2019s annual Community Christmas effort, packing food boxes for families in need.<\/p>\n
This year is no different, as players once again volunteered to prepare holiday meal boxes for registered households, a tradition that spans generations of Trojans.<\/p>\n
Senior Luke Copley said it was his first time participating in the event, calling the experience meaningful for both him and his teammates.
\u201cIt means a lot to the team for us to be able to give back to the community and help the city of Corpus Christi,\u201d Copley told KRIS 6 News.<\/p>\n
Copley added that the holiday season makes the effort especially important. \u201cA lot of people don\u2019t have the proper food for the time being,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s wonderful for us to be able to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moody High School Principal Enrique Vela said the event has become a defining part of the baseball program\u2019s identity, noting that he has seen the tradition continue year after year, including through his own family.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about showing the kids that there\u2019s more to this time of year than gifts,\u201d Vela said. \u201cIt\u2019s about giving and providing for those in need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vela added that community service is something the school intentionally models for students. \u201cIt\u2019s an important civic service,\u201d Vela said. \u201cIt\u2019s something that represents what it means to be a Moody High School Trojan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Catholic Charities Emergency Aid Program Director Anita Rivera said the team\u2019s help plays a critical role in preparing food boxes for families who rely on the program during the holidays.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey come and help us give out food to our registered clients,\u201d Rivera said. \u201cWe\u2019re very grateful that we\u2019re able to help people in our community during this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rivera noted that the need remains high each year, making the volunteers\u2019 efforts especially impactful.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know people are going through a hard time during the Christmas season,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re very glad we\u2019re able to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
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