Media Advisory: Eastern's Day of Giving to serve hundreds on Thanksgiving Eve
Annual event is a Willimantic holiday fixture
Willimantic, CT (11/20/2024) — Members of the media are invited to cover Eastern Connecticut State University's 18th annual Day of Giving on Nov. 27 in Hurley Hall. A fixture in the Willimantic community for nearly 20 years, the Day of Giving will provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal to upwards of 400 local residents the day before Thanksgiving.
The meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University's dining facility. Guests will be served in two waves: 11 a.m. - noon and noon - 1 p.m.
Food for the event is donated by Eastern, Dawson Florist, Camp Horizon, Fantini Bakery, Sardilli Produce, New England Linen and Chartwells (Eastern's food service provider), which will prepare the meal. The event will be staffed by dozens of student and staff volunteers, who serve the food, greet/assist guests and clean up afterward.
Joining the serving line this year will be Eastern's new president, Karim Ismaili. "The Day of Giving is a powerful example of Eastern's commitment to community and service," said Ismaili. "This event is a reminder of how we can come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially during the holiday season. I am honored to participate in this cherished tradition and to help share the joy of Thanksgiving with our neighbors."
Eastern's Center for Community Engagement is working with agencies throughout Willimantic to spread the word, including the Willimantic Housing Authority, the Willimantic Senior Center, Windham No Freeze and the Covenant Soup Kitchen. Transportation is being provided by Eastern shuttle Buses.
"The Day of Giving is a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of gratitude and community by bringing our campus and the Willimantic community together," said Lana O'Connor, director of CCE. "This event is about more than just a meal - it's about creating a space where everyone feels valued and supported, especially during the holiday season. It's a day that reminds us all of the importance of giving back and sharing joy with those around us."
The Day of Giving was first held in 2007 and has since served more than 7,000 meals to residents who might not otherwise have enjoyed a traditional holiday meal.
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
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Volunteers serve food at a previous Day of Giving event.