For Carol Gibney, who leads Fordham’s Pedro Arrupe Volunteers program, volunteering is not something you check off a to-do list. It’s about engaging with and learning from our surrounding communities over the long term. “We’re trying to lift each other up,” said the Campus Ministry director of solidarity and leadership.
As we make plans to gather with friends and family for the holidays, Fordham offers multiple opportunities to lift up our neighbors. Read on for ways to take part in the University’s giving and service events.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Campus Ministry is accepting monetary donations for their annual food drive through November. The contributions will help feed families served by eight community partners, from the Creston Avenue Baptist Soup Kitchen in the Bronx to Xavier Mission in Chelsea. You can donate any amount here.
Service and Community Opportunities
Carve out time this season to read stories to local children, engage with Jesuits at Fordham, make sandwiches alongside Fordham students for community fridges, or distribute free food ahead of Thanksgiving. The following service opportunities are hosted by Campus Ministry:
Nov. 13: Storytime with Neighborhood Kids at Lincoln Center
Nov. 17: Mission-in-Action Sandwich Making at Rose Hill
Nov. 17: Pedro Arrupe Birthday Celebration and Discussion at Rose Hill
Nov. 19: Meet the Spellman Hall Jesuits: Live A Cappella Performance by the Ramblers
Nov. 21: Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
Dec. 8: Advent Prayer and Winter Reflection at Rose Hill
Gifting Events
External Affairs’ annual toy drive for 1,000 children in the Bronx takes place in mid-December (the exact date and drop off locations will be announced soon on the University Calendar). But you can sign up now to help sort and wrap presents on Dec. 9, 10, or 11.
And if you want to add a present to your cart as part of your Black Friday holiday shopping, the age range for gifts is newborn through 17. Be sure to keep it unwrapped!
Fordham is also partnering with the New York Liberty on a toy drive for children from a local Bronx school. Everyone is welcome to join the gifting party at Rose Hill on Dec. 2. Enjoy hot cocoa with Ramses and the Liberty’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, and dance to a DJ spinning your favorite holiday tunes as we hand out gifts provided by Fordham.
