As Thanksgiving approaches, the Sacred Heart University annual Thanksgiving Food Drive brings students and faculty together to help local families in need this holiday season.
Source: Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart University
Source: Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University
This event, hosted by the Office of Community Engagement, is one of Sacred Heart’s most rewarding events, and it allows the SHU community to reflect on what the holiday season is all about and what it means to help others.
“The food drive has always been one of my favorite events here at SHU,” said junior Ashlyn Evans. “It allows me to give back to my community, and it opens my eyes to how fortunate my family is, especially during the holidays.”
The event allows for SHU to support many local families by limiting costs and putting a warm meal on their table.
“The turnout is always inspiring,” said Anne Johnson, director of Community Engagement. “Each year, hundreds of students, faculty, and community members donate food, volunteer their time, or help organize the collections and deliveries. Because of this effort, we’ve been able to support over 400 local families and food pantries each Thanksgiving.”
As a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, many programs are lacking the necessary funding to support families in need.
“This year the need is especially great,” said Johnson. “Many families in the Bridgeport area are struggling, and with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits currently paused, more people than ever are depending on food donations to get by. That’s why the SHU community is working hard to make a difference.”
As for Arlete Perez, the assistant director of the Office of Community Engagement, the food drive allows students’ learning to extend beyond the college classroom.
“At Sacred Heart, our mission goes beyond academics,” said Perez. “We want to help our students grow into caring, compassionate people who give back to their community. The food drive is one way we can support our neighbors in Bridgeport who might be struggling right now.”
The Office of Community Engagement is asking for non-perishable food donations such as bagged rice, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, cranberry sauce, corn and gravy. They are also requesting donations that include containers of evaporated milk, cereal, peanut butter and jelly. Instant foods are also appreciated, such as boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing.
All donations must be placed in small, sturdy boxes decorated for the holidays, intended to incorporate a fun touch for those receiving the donations, which can be brought to the Office of Community Engagement in the Main Academic Building, room HC 109.
In addition to the food drive, Sacred Heart will be hosting an Interfaith Prayer and Blessing Service to honor the act of giving during the holiday season. The service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. This service will allow the SHU community to come together and reflect and appreciate the opportunity they are given to help others.
Spectrum previously reported that a total of $17,478 among 370 donors was raised in last year’s drive.
More information about this event is available on the Office of Community Engagement page on the Sacred Heart University website.
