This holiday season St. Joseph’s University, New York, is tapping into its pillars of service and social responsibility through an array of drives across both the Long Island and Brooklyn Campus. Read below for a list of drives and happenings throughout the SJNY community.
Brooklyn Campus
Canstruction Food Drive:
On Nov. 24 In support of the Brooklyn Campus Student Food Pantry that supports students facing food insecurities, students, faculty and staff donated canned goods and then competed on two teams to create a scene out of the food items. Though the faculty and staff team won with their “Home for Holidays” scene, the students did an incredible job recreating the Brooklyn campus mascot, Vandy, and the SJNY logo.
The Brooklyn Hospital Toy Drive:
To spread holiday cheer, the Brooklyn Campus hosted a toy drive on Nov. 25 for The Brooklyn Hospital Center in Tuohy Hall. Student Involvement collected new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages to remind these young patients they are not alone.
SAAC for Socks:
The Brooklyn campus Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) held SACC for Socks. During halftime of the 6th Men’s Basketball game on Dec. 6, participants who brought unused socks were able to toss their donations for a chance to win a prize. All socks were donated to a local shelter.
Long Island Campus
Winter Clothing Drive:
In support of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s, the Long Island Campus Ministry, Diversity Union and Rotaract Community Service Club are collecting winter clothing, particularly hats, gloves and scarves. Running until Dec. 10th, donation boxes can be found in every building on campus.
Christmas Gift Drive:
In partnership with Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corporation (WHPDC), the Long Island Campus Ministry is collecting Christmas gifts for 23 families, which supports over 100 people. To participate, individuals must sign up using a Google form and have all of their gifts wrapped, tagged and dropped off to the Office of Campus Ministry (Student Center, 201) no later than Friday, Dec. 12.
Toys for Tots:
Partnered with Sheehan Accountants and Advisors, the Accounting and Business Society is sharing the magic of the holiday season by collecting toys for Toys for Tots. Running until Dec. 17th, participants can drop off donations in the boxes located in every building or attend the community pickup event on Dec.19th, where the United States Marine Corps will be picking up the final donations. Online participation is available through the Amazon Wishlist and can be sent directly to Sheehan Accountants and Advisors.
Adopt-A-Family:
The Long Island Campus’s SAAC teamed up with the Family and Children’s Association’s Adopt-A-Family program. The Adopt-A-Family program was able to bring joy to 481 families during the 2024 holiday season. The SAAC’s contribution to the 2025 holiday season will only help the Family and Children’s Association spread joy to more families.
Jolly Jamboree:
The Long Island Campus’s Esports, Educators Club, History Club, Circle K International, English Society and Tabletop Games Club hosted a Jolly Jamboree where students were able to participate in holiday-themed games and crafts. During this time the students brought in gifts, which were later donated to Toys for Tots to spread their holiday joy with the greater community.
Blood Drive:
Each semester the Counseling and Wellness Center on the Long Island Campus hosts a blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center. This semester’s event was held Dec. 2 in the Student Center’s multipurpose room. Since there is no viable artificial replacement for blood, it is especially important people donate during times of need.
Giving Hope Drive:
The Long Island Campus’s English Society partnered with SCO Family of Services, an organization dedicated to providing children, adults and families with life-changing care, housing, education and behavioral health support through their array of programs. The society collected non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products for these families.
Go Green Clothing Drive:
The Long Island Campus’s Student Government Association (SGA) held their annual clothing drive in support of Go Green,an organization dedicated to keeping clothing out of the waste stream. SGA collected bags of clothing throughout the month of November and in return was able to raise money to help support the SGA End-of-Year Gala event.
Patchogue Medford Youth and Community Services Food Drive:
Throughout the month of November, the Long Island Campus Ministry, along with the Campus Activities Board, Law and Justice Society, Accounting and Business Society, BSN Nursing Club, Theta Phi Alpha and the Biology Club, collected around 150 pounds of food. These collections were later donated to Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services to support those in need this holiday season.
