Opportunities Available for Campus Community Members to Participate in Holiday Giving, Volunteerism

Volunteers working hard to fill pantry boxes. (Photo courtesy of Salvation Army)

For those looking to voluntarily contribute to the distribution of holiday items to local nonprofit organizations in Syracuse, the Office of Community Engagement makes this seamless. “As the holiday season approaches for this year, the Office of Community Engagement encourages the campus community to consider sharing with our neighbors in the City of Syracuse and the surrounding Central New York region,” says Cydney Johnson, vice president of community engagement and government relations. “Your gift of funds, items and time can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, many of whom are in need this year. As One University, we all can make a positive impact on our community.” Participation opportunities are available this year with PEACE, Inc., The Salvation Army and the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry.

Here are the ways individuals, departments or schools and colleges can help a family in need this holiday season:

PEACE, Inc.

People’s Equal Action and Community Effort Inc., is a nonprofit, community-based organization with the mission of helping people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

Give-A-Holiday

• This program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to brighten up the holidays for families in need by supplying gifts during the holiday season in the form of a gift basket or a monetary donation. Syracuse University employees can register by completing this form.
• Monetary donations can also be made online on the PEACE, Inc. website.

For more information or questions, please contact PEACE, Inc. at 315.634.3740 or giveaholiday@peace-caa.org.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination and encouraging and empowering those in need to reach their full potential.

Holiday Events

• Each year, The Salvation Army of Syracuse helps provide Christmas food and toys to nearly 10,000 people with the help of dozens of community partners. There are several ways you can help brighten the holidays for others including the annual Christmas Bureau or volunteering to be a bell-ringer.
• Monetary donations can also be made online on The Salvation Army website.

For additional information or questions, please contact Deanna Delmonico at 315.479.1162 or deanna.delmonico@use.salvationarmy.org.

Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry

The Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry supports Syracuse University students by providing access to fresh and shelf-stable goods as well as personal care items. So far in the 2023 academic year, the pantry receives anywhere from 100-250 student visitors per week. There are currently two food pantries on campus, directly across from the dean’s suite in Hendricks Chapel and on South Campus. Both pantries rely on monetary and food donations. Monetary donations are used to buy items like fresh produce, protein bars, soups, pasta, snacks and personal hygiene items.

Hendricks Chapel relies on generous donations from the Syracuse University community to stock the food pantry. Ways to support the food pantry include:

• Donating food or personal care items: Physical donations may be dropped off at the Hendricks Chapel Dean’s suite. Items may also be ordered through our Amazon Wish List, which ships items directly to the pantry. All are encouraged to donate to the Food Pantry Support Fund.
• Donating financially: All are encouraged to donate to the Food Pantry Support Fund. If you are a campus partner, Hendricks Chapel is now able to accept fund transfers to a Food Pantry operational account. Please reach out to the Chapel Budget Manager, Maureen Verone at mverone@syr.edu to administer a journal entry. Your donations are most welcome and appreciated.
• Holding a food and toiletry drive: Student groups, residence hall floors, offices and departments can hold food and toiletry drives to benefit the food pantry. Reach out to Leondra Tyler to learn how you can “Adopt-A-Month” for the pantry.