SANFORD — Students at St. Thomas School in Sanford put their fashion sense to good use as they sorted, matched and bundled clothes to be donated to children in need at other area schools.

As one of several service projects during Maine Catholic Schools Week – Jan. 31 to Feb. 6 – the school held a clothing drive, collecting new and gently used children’s clothing, along with new pairs of socks and underwear, for students who could use them. Members of the sixth-grade class then put together outfits, each containing the same size top, bottom, socks and underwear.

“We did the clothing drive because we wanted to show that we’re not just going to stay in school and do stuff for ourselves,” said fifth grader John Paul Alexander. “We want to show that we care about the public and we can actually donate and do stuff that is helping the community.”

“We’re doing the clothing drive to help people who are less fortunate,” said Oliver Genest, a sixth grader. “I think we’re also doing it just to be kind and to show that we’re not just thinking about what we’re doing in this school just for us. We’re thinking about the other people in the community and that they need help.”

The school is also holding a collection for the Sanford Food Pantry and a dressdown day during which students can pay $1 to dress casually with the proceeds benefiting Camp Waban, where people of all abilities can boat, swim, hike and enjoy other outdoor activities.

The students are also teaming up with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Parish’s faith formation and youth ministry programs on a bake sale to benefit a parish in Haiti.

Students also made Valentine’s Day cards for veterans and residents of local nursing homes.