Students from Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy in Woodhaven took to the streets last week to help dig homebound seniors out after Winter Storm Stella dumped nearly a foot of snow on Queens.

Since taking the helm of the school this year, Principal Zofia Swiatek’s mission has been to get the school more active in the Woodhaven community. The snowy week was the perfect opportunity.

“A few of our neighbors have said over the last few years that they have had difficulty leaving their homes because of huge amounts of snow,” Swiatek said, “as well as not being able to pay for that snow to be removed.

“Our teachers, some of whom have worked here for years, decided to reinvigorate our students' love of community service and put out a call for help to shovel snow,” she added.

In total, 18 students – 16 current and two alumni – set out under the guidance of middle school teacher Patricia Eggers and spent all day volunteering.

After hearing comments from some homebound Woodhaven residents, Swiatek said they’re looking into having students do other daily tasks that have become cumbersome or difficult, such as grocery shopping or mowing lawns.

“Only when there is collaboration and communication can a community thrive,” Swiatek said.