Students gather at the Joyce for Lend a Hand Day

SOUTH BEND - There was a lot more than just the excitement on the hard-wood keeping folks entertained over at the Joyce. Saturday was also Lend a Hand Day!



The event recognized students from Catholic schools across Michiana for their part in the Lend a Hand fundraising program. Students got to sing the national anthem and even cheered on the Irish with the Notre Dame cheerleaders.



"It makes me feel like I'm worth something, and that I'm helpful, and can do something important," says student Monica Shide. Shide is one of the many Catholic school students across the area helping to raise money in the Lend a Hand program.

This year marks the program’s 30th anniversary. Lend a Hand has raised nearly $9 million dollars for local Catholic schools since 1982.