New Rochelle, NY - On
November 21, 2011, Iona College
donated 116 Thanksgiving food baskets to three local charitable organizations:
Hope Community Services (New Rochelle), Greystone Foundation Child & Youth
Services (Westchester County), and Abraham House (Bronx). Over 100 clubs,
organizations, administrative offices and academic departments generously
donated the baskets of food. Members of 17 Division I athletic teams,
the athletics department administration and members of the Iona community
purchased and assembled "baskets" to give to economically
disadvantaged families to try and spread the joy that the Thanksgiving season
brings. The athletics department contributed a total of 18 baskets. Members on
each team donated 5$ each to help purchase all of the food items for the
baskets.
This annual initiative
is part of the fabric at Iona for over 10
years. Each gift basket contained a gift certificate for a turkey, and
approximately 20 other items to complement a typical Thanksgiving dinner
including an assortment of canned goods and ingredients for desserts and
beverages. This generous holiday donation drive is sponsored each year by the
Center for Campus Ministries. "As the coordinator for this event for the
past five years, I am convinced that this is by far one of the most tangible
acts of support and generosity that we as an Iona community participate in. We
truly answer the call of Edmund Rice when he said, 'Give to the poor in
handfuls'. Iona members go above and beyond giving t-shirts, table cloths and
thoughtful cards," said Tiffany DiNome, coordinator for Iona in Mission.