It’s the time of year for giving to others and it is in full swing at Mercy University this holiday season.
Mercy University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee held its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive recently. At the Mercy women’s and men’s basketball games held on Nov. 16, 17 and 20, nonperishable food items were being accepted as admission. Donations as admission were for non-students, but everyone was encouraged to and more than welcome to bring any goods for the drive. Some items listed as acceptable were, but not limited to, peanut butter, canned soup, fruit, vegetables, stew, fish, beans, pasta, and rice.
This is a cause that student-athletes really get behind. The SAAC has taken the lead on this drive for the past two years, following Mercy Athletics after five. By the end of the donation period, five boxes of canned goods are ready to be brought to the local food pantry.
Jack Nicholson, head coach of the women’s soccer team, spoke on behalf of the committee involved and the athletes.
“Getting to see the food pantry last year and how it works was amazing, those who use it are so grateful for the support they receive and we were very happy to be a part of it,” Nicholson said.
Not only do these drives bring a sense of togetherness within the community, it allows student-athletes to represent Mercy both on and off the field in the best way possible.
“I think it is important to take part in as many community engagement events as possible. Our sports teams take a lot of pride in taking part in things outside of campus. And we will continue to support events off campus,” Nicholson said.
He added, “Getting to see the food pantry last year and how it works was amazing, those who use it are so grateful for the support they receive and we were very happy to be a part of it.”
Alongside the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Mercy’s Health Science Society partnered up with Campus Life and Residential Life during this holiday season to host their food drive as well.
This food drive started on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. and is being held until Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. In order to donate, anyone who has canned non-perishable foods can bring them to Hudson Hall room 119 to the Campus Life office.
On their Instagram page, instructions for if staff are not present are as follows, “If staff is not present, write down your name and Mercy email on a sticky note on each item donated and take a photo to send to [email protected] to be entered.”
Melissa Barresi got to experience the success of these drives, as it is her first year as President of the Health Science Society hosting one.
“This year’s food drive has been particularly exciting for the Health Science Society as Campus Life and Res Life asked us to partner with them on a school-wide food drive. To add to the enthusiasm, they introduced a raffle for the drive. For every canned item donated, students earn a raffle ticket for a chance to win a $250 Amazon spending spree,” Barresi said.
In previous years, society has been able to see how the small effort of a drive, can make a difference.
“It’s not just about collecting cans; it’s about fostering a sense of community and raising awareness about food insecurity. By coming together, we’ve helped ensure that more families in Westchester have food on their tables during the holidays,” Barresi said.
Barresi also took the time to stress the importance of continuing this tradition due to the holidays being a time of struggle for most people.
“Participating in food drives is so important because it helps people who may be struggling to put food on the table. Every donation, no matter how small, adds up to make a big difference. It’s a simple but powerful way to show support and care for others, especially during the holidays when many families need extra help,” Barresi stated.
Aside from holding food drives, Mercy Campus Life brought Thanksgiving lunch and dinner to students on each campus to kick off festivities early. These events started in 2014 in hopes of establishing a new tradition. Even in 2019 when COVID hit, this event went on in a “Grab N Go” format.
Since 2014, they have been held annually and it has become one of their favorite traditions.
This year, the Bronx campus held their lunch from noon to 1 p.m. in the cafe. The Westchester campus held dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Rotunda. Both were held on Nov. 19. Ending off the festivities, the Manhattan campus held their lunch from noon to 3 p.m. in the cafe and living room.
Over 400 students were served across each location. Aside from that, over the years, the Student Affairs team has proudly served more than 2,500 students. Alena Kush, the Director of Campus Life, took some time to reflect on the successful experiences.
“The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, reflecting the strong sense of community these gatherings aim to foster. Feedback from attendees highlighted the delicious food, the opportunity to connect with peers and staff, and the overall positive experience,” Kush said.
Many international students attended and had the opportunity to experience their first Thanksgiving meal allowing them to experience the American tradition with their peers and staff.
Kush stressed the importance of these events as they provide a unique opportunity to foster a sense of belonging and connection within our diverse student body.
These gatherings serve as a way to experience the warmth of community, engage in meaningful cultural traditions, and create lasting memories with peers and staff.
They have provided a unique platform for new students to be introduced to campus traditions as well as a way to form meaningful bonds early in their college journey.
“My favorite part is seeing students from all backgrounds come together to share a meal, connect, and celebrate a cherished tradition. Watching students experience the joy of community—especially those who may be far from their families—is incredibly rewarding,” Kush said. “It’s a privilege to create a space where everyone feels included and valued, making these events truly special.”
