UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State and State College communities are invited to participate in the Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, a tradition aimed at supporting local families in need.
This year’s drive, hosted by the Civic Engagement Alliance, a group of service-minded and civically engaged student leaders at Penn State, and the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, provides students, faculty, staff, student organizations and the State College community an opportunity to give back during the holiday season. Penn State academic colleges, administrative units and student groups to participate by signing up to donate a Thanksgiving basket and/or their time to volunteer to decorate the boxes and fill with all the goodies during drop off.
“Our goal is to provide more than 200 baskets to the surrounding communities, and together, we can make sure every table in our community is filled with food, warmth and gratitude this Thanksgiving,” said Kendall Mainzer, program coordinator for civic engagement in the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement.
Groups and individuals interested in participating can complete the online interest form to commit to filling a basket. Baskets are provided and include a link to a grocery list of needed items for each basket, including items like stuffing, instant mashed-potatoes mix, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables and fruits, bread mixes and applesauce. Each basket provides a complete Thanksgiving meal for a family of four, who would not otherwise be able to afford one.
All items for each basket can be dropped off at the HUB-Robeson Center in Alumni Hall, on Nov. 19, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Nov. 20, 7:30-9 a.m.
Students and organizations can also sign up to decorate the baskets and fill them with donations, starting Nov. 7 via an online form. Completed baskets will be decorated and distributed to community partners on Nov. 20 across the State College, Philipsburg and Bellefonte areas.
Any items in excess will be donated to the Lion’s Pantry, which supports students facing food insecurity at Penn State.
For more information or questions, contact Student Leadership and Involvement, at serviceleadership@psu.edu.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills, and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.