On Nov. 17, a group of young girls traveled from Westlake Village to central Los Angeles on what might be called an early Christmas visit --- with benefits realized all around.

The visit involved the delivery of hundreds of books collected by St. Jude School to its sister school, Holy Spirit. The books --- either donated or purchased --- were sorted and boxed, earmarked for particular grades, and delivered by St. Jude's "Angels in Action," a.k.a., the fourth grade girls.

The venture took shape early in the school year, when St. Jude principal Patrick Hayes was asked by parents Maria Herrera and Yadi Coto if it were possible for fourth grade girls to gather together and spend some time with their mothers.

"The intent was not the usual social gathering of tea, shows or shopping --- at least, not shopping in the typical sense," said Hayes. "This was to be a group that was focused on reflecting part of the mission of our Catholic school, to be of service to others."

The book drive for Holy Spirit, one of the Angels' first projects, involved more than simply transporting bound paper. The students, their parents and school officials found it was the face-to-face presentation which made the event meaningful. St. Jude's students were greeted and thanked by Holy Spirit's principal, Holy Faith Sister Loretto O'Leary, then met Holy Spirit's students as each class was brought by their teachers to view the boxes of books and offer their appreciation.

"The girls and their parents made this initial project a tremendous success," said Hayes, "not just from what was given to our sister school, but for strengthening the sense of giving within our students, for sharing in the mission of forming young people in the image of Jesus."