Central Catholic Boys Cross Country Team Supports Lazarus House

For more than forty years, the team has fostered a meaningful and enduring relationship with Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence. What began as an informal connection in the 1980s has evolved into a powerful service tradition—one that not only supports families in need, but also helps shape student-athletes into compassionate, community-minded leaders.

Over the past five years especially, this partnership has deepened, expanding into a series of intentional service projects carried out throughout the athletic season. Together, these efforts reflect the team’s commitment to giving back to the neighborhood where they run, live, and learn.

Taco Tuesdays: Cooking With Care

Throughout the season, the team organizes 4–6 “Taco Tuesdays,” where student-athletes shop for groceries, prepare meals, and serve dinner to guests at Lazarus House. These evenings offer students a hands-on way to connect with members of the community, share a warm meal, and extend dignity and hospitality to those experiencing hardship.

Pasta Dinners With Purpose

Each season, families host team pasta dinners—but with a meaningful twist. Instead of bringing food, players are encouraged to donate funds to Lazarus House. This season alone, the boys raised more than $780, demonstrating how small individual contributions can come together to create real impact.

“Pop the Trunk” Thanksgiving Food Drive

The week of Thanksgiving brings one of the team’s largest annual efforts: the “Pop the Trunk” food drive. Designed as a one-day, schoolwide initiative, the event engages the entire campus community in restocking the Lazarus House food pantry. This year, the team collected a full van of food items, helping ensure local families have access to essential resources during the holiday season.

Service by the Numbers

This season, the team achieved significant results:
• 175+ volunteer hours logged
• $780+ raised through team donations
• One full van of food collected for the Lazarus House pantry
• 100% team participation, with every athlete taking part in one or more initiatives

Shaping Leaders Beyond the Finish Line

While the immediate impact of these projects is felt by Lazarus House guests and families, the lessons extend far beyond the service days themselves. Through these efforts, student-athletes deepen their understanding of the community around them and develop empathy, gratitude, and a strong sense of responsibility.

What began decades ago as a simple act of kindness has grown into a defining tradition—one that continues to strengthen both the team and the greater Lawrence community. Their dedication is a powerful reminder that leadership is not only shown on the field, but also through acts of compassion that uplift others.

A special thank-you goes out to the Campus Ministry Office, the  Athletic Directors Office, and assistant coach Shawn Dumas. Their support was essential in bringing these student-led initiatives to life.