Annual Turkey and Food Drives Provide Thanksgiving Dinners to Community Members

Students distribute turkeys, nonperishable goods to local residents days before the holiday at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Bridgeport

A little rain didn’t stop Sacred Heart University students from handing out turkeys and canned goods to Bridgeport residents the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at St. Charles Borromeo Church.

SHU student government’s 13th annual turkey drive raised nearly $20,000 to purchase more than 500 Thanksgiving turkeys for local families that were then distributed to community members. The donations were made possible by generous help from friends of the University, faculty, staff, students, alumni and parents. Student government is also grateful for alum Harry Garafalo ’80, his nephew James Garafalo and ShopRite of Milford for their ongoing support. Fundraising continues to help additional families throughout December.

In addition to the student government’s turkey drive, the office of community engagement and SHU Athletics conducted its yearly food drive to collect nonperishable goods. Arlete Perez Paez, assistant director of community engagement and Annie Johnson, director of community engagement, led participants to bring in thousands of items such as boxed stuffing, gravy, canned vegetables and more, which were then blessed at the University’s recent interfaith service. Team member Erin Rederschied, coordinator of community partnerships, helped mobilize Pioneer Service Grant students to donate and set up for the prayer service.

Both efforts came together on a wet and damp Tuesday morning, as staff, student government members, members of the SHU men’s lacrosse team and members of the office of community engagement gathered at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Bridgeport to hand out residents’ soon-to-be Thanksgiving dinners.

Community members pulled their cars up to St. Charles, popped open their trunks and student-volunteers placed turkeys and reusable shopping bags filled to the brim with food into cars. Smiles and thank-yous were shared.

“I always tell people that the significance of this event really lies within the fact that we are lending a helping hand directly to our neighbors, the people who surround our school and make this place a home,” said Gracie Patriarco ’26, a political science and global affairs double major from Cortland, NY. This was Patriarco’s second year participating in the turkey drive, but her first as the student government’s vice president of community & inclusion.

“Coming together to support our community beyond the walls of our University is a really special experience. The impact that an event like this has is indescribable, and we are really honored to be able to serve our community in this way,” Patriarco added.

The SHU community can continue to donate to the turkey drive and help families throughout the holiday season by visiting the drive’s fundraising webpage.

Johnson echoed Patriarco’s sentiments.

“Continuing the SHU Thanksgiving food drive tradition is important because it fosters a sense of community and compassion, especially during a time when many are facing food insecurity,” Johnson said. “Our efforts help ensure that families who might otherwise struggle during the holidays have access to nutritious meals, creating a more inclusive and caring environment for everyone. For students, participating in such a meaningful event also provides them with an opportunity to learn about empathy, generosity and the importance of giving back. It is an opportunity for us to live out our value of social responsibility and strengthens our connection to the Greater Bridgeport community."

At SHU’s recent interfaith service, where the nonperishable goods were blessed, the Rev. Sara Smith, the University’s Protestant chaplain, encouraged audience members to find love this holiday season. She said while families may be divided on several world issues, it’s best to find love and not give into fear or hate.

“Those who choose to love offer faith and hope to the world,” she said. “As you head to the table … remember, when others hate, may you love.”

Community engagement will continue to collect monetary donations for the Adopt-a-Family program (which also benefits St. Charles parish, as well as Golden Hill Methodist Church) through December 6. Visit the Adopt-a-Family donation page to give and continue SHU’s holiday giving campaign.