University of Scranton Students Launch Heartwarming Week of Gratitude and Community Service

SCRANTON — On Sunday morning, University of Scranton senior Christina Kennedy was busy packing vegetables for those in need this Thanksgiving. But what really excited her was delivering the food later in the day.

Kennedy has been part of this initiative for all four years of college. For her, it’s the highlight of her year. “It’s about connecting with families and sharing moments,” she said, reflecting on past years when families welcomed students into their homes for brief chats filled with warmth.

Almost 100 students joined her, packing and loading donations from Wegmans and the Weinberg Food Bank to bring to local families. About 50 students from the university’s lacrosse team participated, along with staff from the Center for Service and Social Justice.

This food distribution is part of a weeklong effort by Friends of the Poor and the Catherine McAuley Center aimed at supporting the needy during Thanksgiving week.

The week kicked off with an Interfaith Prayer Service at Temple Hesed. Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz reminded attendees—over 100 people—from various faiths about the importance of treating strangers with kindness, a message echoed 36 times in the Torah.

Alongside these activities, a takeout-only Thanksgiving Community Dinner was planned for Tuesday at the Scranton Cultural Center, followed by a Family-to-Family Drive Through Food Basket Giveaway on Wednesday.

Avainna Carilli, who coordinates service programs at the university, shared that students have been volunteering for this Thanksgiving food giveaway for about 25 years. Their eagerness to help speaks to the values taught at this Jesuit institution, where the focus extends beyond academic learning to community service.

This year’s efforts highlight a growing trend of community engagement among college students. According to a survey by the National Conference on Citizenship, 62% of young adults are now more involved in local volunteer work than they were five years ago. Events like this not only provide much-needed assistance to families but also foster a sense of belonging and purpose among students.

Through acts of kindness and service, students like Christina Kennedy are not just giving food; they’re spreading the true spirit of Thanksgiving: connection, gratitude, and compassion.



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