March 20, 2026
Good Samaritan Day 2026
Celebrating Good Samaritan Day
The Mortel High Hopes for Haiti Foundation’s first school in Saint Marc, Haiti was built 25 years ago through the generosity of everyday people who chose to show up for others. Dr. Rodrigue Mortel named it Les Bons Samaritains, The Good Samaritans, in their honor.
That spirit is still alive today. Every year on March 13th, we celebrate Good Samaritan Day. However, it is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s the living expression of Dr. Mortel’s belief that we are all called to serve.
It’s the day when our students in Haiti, despite having so little themselves, gather their pennies to bring meals and hygiene kits to those behind prison walls.
It’s the day when students in across the United States assemble bag lunches for the homeless, pack shoeboxes for families in need, and write cards of encouragement with their own hands.
It is faith in action.
How We Served in 2026
In 2026, we partnered with a record number of schools across the United States. In an effort to make a positive impact in their communities, each school carried out a different service project:
St. Joan of Arc School (Hershey, PA)
The entire school participated in a day of service that included collecting blankets for a local shelter and assembling care packages for individuals in need. The school’s activities were recognized by the local television news network (abc27 News).
School of the Incarnation (Gambrills, MD)
Students participated in a Lenten Coin War to support a school in Haiti. The effort encouraged students to make personal sacrifices and contribute funds to support education and outreach for children in need.
Bishop McDevitt High School (Harrisburg, PA)
Christian Service Club members assembled Healthy Shoebox Meals, wrote cards, and decorated boxes to support families served by the United Way. The meals help provide nutritious food to families in need throughout the local community.
Les Bons Samaritains Preschool & Primary School (St. Marc, Haiti)
Students and staff collected donations to purchase food and essential supplies for local prisoners. The school marked the day with prayer and reflection before delivering food and hygiene items to prisoners in need.
St. Augustine Catholic School (Elkridge, MD)
Students donated over 270 items and assembled Birthday Boxes for a local crisis center. The boxes provide supplies for baking a cake and celebrating birthdays for families in need.
James Stine College (St. Marc, Haiti)
Students prepared and distributed 125 health kits to patients at the local hospital. The kits were provided to vulnerable patients in the maternity and pediatric units, bringing much needed support to families receiving care.
St. Philip Neri School (Linthicum, MD)
Students collected essential food items to provide meals and assistance for individuals and families in need throughout 116 communities across South America.
These acts of service are a reminder that every single person deserves hope. Thank you for serving others in honor of Dr. Mortel and in the spirit of the Good Samaritan – to “Go, and Do the Same!”
In The News
abc27 News
Good Samaritan Day honors deacon at local school
March 6, 2026
The Catholic Witness
March 19, 2026
If you or your school is interested in joining us next year to celebrate Good Samaritan Day in honor of Dr. Mortel, get it touch with us at info@mortelhhh.org
