College Community Spreads Thanksgiving Holiday Cheer

The Merrimack College community brightened the holidays for dozens of needy families this week by donating and delivering full Thanksgiving meals through the Neighbors in Need program in Lawrence.

The initiative, an annual Merrimack tradition involving faculty, staff and students, was coordinated by campus ministry. More than seven van-loads of food was collected and distributed this year.

“There is a big need in Lawrence for assistance, and there are a lot of families that wouldn’t be having Thanksgiving if there weren’t this basket drive,” said Maggie Morrin, an Augustinian Volunteer working in campus ministry. “That’s the main reason we do this.”

She sent out a list of Thanksgiving staples and optional items as a guide for the basket drive with everything from turkey to cranberry sauce on the menu. Cash donations were also accepted to buy food.

Around campus, friends, co-workers and entire departments came together to pitch in. The average basket purchased through Sodexo cost about $50, but donors who chose to create their own baskets had discretion on spending.

Schuyler Jordan ’20, a marketing major from Newport, Rhode Island, was helping load the baskets into vans outside Cascia Hall Tuesday morning. After lifting, loading and shifting box after box, he estimated they each weighed at least 40 pounds.

“I’m going to have a big Thanksgiving dinner, so it’s good to help out other people so they can have one, too,” Jordan said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Related News

Group photo of Merrimack students and faculty posing in front of a cliff ridge in Honduras.

SEND Trips Bring Merrimack Community to San Diego, Honduras, South Dakota

 |
By: Michael Cronin
More than 40 students participated in the College’s alternative spring break service trip program this March.
Photo of Fr. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., preaching at Mass of the Holy Spirit.

Merrimack College’s Mass of the Holy Spirit Brings Excitement to Start of Academic Year

 |
By: Michael Cronin
This year, the College’s traditional mass at the beginning of the fall semester was held on the Feast Day of St. Augustine, Merrimack’s patron saint.
Photo of Raice Szott ’24 sitting in the stands at Lawler Rink.

Merrimack Women’s Ice Hockey Player Named Hockey Humanitarian Award Finalist

 |
By: Joseph O'Connell
Raice Szott ’24, a defender, is one of five finalists for the prestigious national award that recognizes a college hockey player who goes above and beyond to not only positively impact their team, but also their community.