THANKSGIVING OUTREACH
Our Thanksgiving Outreach program is a great opportunity for Villanova faculty, staff, students and alumni to give back to our outstanding community partner organizations.
Starting at the end of October, members of the Villanova community are invited to consider pledging donations of complete Thanksgiving meal boxes. Then, the Monday of Thanksgiving week, Villanova community members are asked to drop off their pledged donation boxes at the Connelly Circle so the boxes can be packed up in Villanova vans and delivered to our community partners.
We suggest student groups, staff or academic departments, and/or friend groups work together to pledge an amount of boxes that feels manageable for them. Individuals are also invitied to pledge in the same way.
In addition to meal boxes, we also collect Shop Rite giftcards in the amount of $50 that are donated to some of our community partners so families receiving the giftcards can purchase their own items for their holiday meal.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to help unload and load, organize and count donation boxes as they are dropped off to the Connelly Circle. Volunteers are also needed to drive University vehicles to and from our community partner locations to deliver meal boxes and giftcards.
Meal Box and Gift Card Donation Information
We are in need of meal boxes and giftcards. 65 $50 Shop Rite giftcards are needed to support some of our community partners.
290 complete meal boxes are needed to support North Light Community Center and other partners.
Each meal box needs to be carefully assembled:
- Please begin with a sturdy box and then fill it with:
- 2 jars of turkey gravy
- 2 jars of apple sauce
- 4 cans of seasonal vegetables
- 2 cans of cranberry sauce
- 3 or 5lb bag of potatoes (not canned)
- 2 boxes of stuffing
- Pack of dinner rolls (placed on top)
- Please also supply a 15lb turkey (not larger) and a fresh, non-frozen, pie separate from the box so the items do not become crushed. Please place the turkey and pie in their own individual plastic bags.
In addition to turkeys, we are also in need of frozen chickens so our Community Partners can provide options to the families. If you would rather supply a chicken instead of a turkey, please be encouraged to do so.