The Office of Community Engagement is currently collecting donations for its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, encouraging students to give back to local communities during the holiday season.
| Office of Community Engagement, Sacred Heart University |
The food drive is accepting donations through Nov. 18 to help families in need.
“Our mission is to educate students to be compassionate and serve the common good, and that’s exactly what this does,” said Annie Johnson, director of Community Engagement. “It goes beyond the charity motto where our community can stand in solidarity with our neighbors who might be facing challenges during the holiday season.”
The office is asking for nonperishable canned food items, like cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing, among others.
“They all go to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport,” said Johnson. “From there, they are distributed to the different families that attend the parish, but also a few of them get set aside for our partners with Southwest Health Community Center and Golden Hill Methodist Church.”
Students are encouraged to place their donations in small, sturdy boxes decorated for the holidays.
“Families will receive not just a brown paper bag but something that’s a little bit more festive for the holiday season,” said Johnson. “If folks have fun with it, we love to see it, and it serves as a really nice backdrop for the Interfaith Prayer Service on the 18th.”
According to Johnson, the Office of Community Engagement hopes to distribute 450 frozen turkeys, matching last year’s total. The Student Government raises money to purchase the turkeys from the ShopRite of Milford. The grocery store provides the turkeys at a reduced cost in support of this initiative.
With the Nov. 18 deadline approaching, the Office of Community Engagement hopes to encourage more students to participate and contribute to the annual tradition.
“I think students should participate because even donating a few items can help someone in need,” said junior Ella Nocera. “It’s a simple way to give back, support our community and show kindness to others.”
Students interested in donating can drop off nonperishable food items at their office in HC 109. Donations can also be brought to the Interfaith Prayer Service on Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
“It reminds us that the holidays are about more than just receiving gifts. It’s about helping others, spreading kindness and making sure everyone feels cared for,” said senior Annalisa D’Arienzo. “Even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.”
The Office of Community Engagement will continue its holiday giving efforts with its Adopt-a-Family program, which begins the week of Nov. 23. The program gives students and staff the opportunity to support local families by purchasing holiday gifts.
Those interested in getting involved or learning more can contact the office via email at communityengagement@sacredheart.edu or by phone at 203-365-4710.
