Manhattan University students and faculty sorting and dropping off supplies collected during the drive.
@MU__CMSA/INSTAGRAM
By Emmanouel Sofillas, Assistant Sports Editor
As the holiday season approaches, Manhattan University students and faculty have united to organize a Thanksgiving “Giving” Drive aimed at supporting the families living at the Waldo Sanctuary, formerly known as the Manhattan College Overlook Apartments.
This initiative, deeply rooted in compassion and the university’s Lasallian principles of respect for all persons and inclusive community, seeks to provide essential items for those in need while fostering a spirit of service among students.
When asked what inspired the initiative, Jubilee Aguilar, a campus minister at Campus Ministry and Social Action (CMSA) and a key driving force behind the effort, shared how their involvement with The Friends of Waldo Sanctuary, a local community organization dedicated to supporting migrants as they adjust to life in the neighborhood, played a pivotal role.
“I’ve been attending monthly meetings with other community organizers, discussing ways to support the sanctuary and make migrants feel welcome,” Aguilar said. “I saw other groups creating Amazon lists for supplies and brought the idea to Father Edward and Father Bob. They enthusiastically supported it, and we decided to focus on a Thanksgiving Giving Drive to collect toiletries and other essentials for these families.”
This effort highlights the importance of recognizing the immediate needs of local families, especially during a season of gratitude and giving. The collaboration between campus organizations, community leaders and students demonstrates the power of collective action to create meaningful change.
Araceli Cayetano Ambrocio, one of the leaders at CMSA, emphasized that the drive is about more than just collecting items, it’s about fostering community, bonding and raising awareness.
“One of our main goals is to create a sense of togetherness during Thanksgiving,” Cayetano Ambrocio said. “While many of us are preparing to spend time with family, it’s important to remember there are others in different situations. As Manhattan University students, it’s our responsibility to support our neighbors.”
This sentiment reflects the alignment with Manhattan University’s Lasallian values, which encourage service and inclusivity.
“This initiative promotes respect for all persons and inclusive community–core principles we live by,” Aguilar said. “It also encourages students to engage in community service and connect with those around us.”
Gabrielle Blair, a junior and secretary of the Black Student Union (BSU) who also played a key role in organizing the Thanksgiving Giving Drive, shared that the initiative has brought in a wide range of donations, from everyday essentials like toothpaste and shampoo to crucial items such as menstrual products and baby supplies. These contributions are vital in meeting the specific needs of the sanctuary residents, many of whom are children.
“One of the most exciting donations is menstrual products because they’re always in demand,” Blair said. “Baby products, like diapers and baby shampoo, are also incredibly valuable since many of the residents are children.”
Organizers stressed that even small donations can make a significant impact.
“An act of kindness goes a long way,” Aguilar said. “Even a dollar bar of soap can change someone’s life. It’s all about shifting perspectives and realizing how much impact even a small gesture can have.”
The drive has seen widespread support across campus, but not without its challenges. One of the most notable hurdles has been encouraging students, many of whom feel financially constrained, to participate.
“Some students think, ‘I’m a broke college kid, why should I donate?’,” Aguilar said. “But we’ve been trying to shift that mindset by showing that even a small effort can make a difference. It’s about understanding that giving, even in the smallest ways, can create a ripple effect.”
Despite these challenges, the response from the Manhattan University community has been overwhelmingly positive. Several student organizations, including the BSU, psychology club and Pen & Sword have stepped forward to lend their support.
“It’s refreshing to see the generosity on campus,” Blair said. “Clubs are not only participating but also reaching out with ideas for future initiatives.”
For the organizers, the drive’s success isn’t solely measured by the number of donations but also by the level of student involvement and the initiative’s broader impact on the campus culture.
“We’ll measure success by how many people show up to donate, volunteer and participate in activities like organizing pantry goods and helping with the Friendly Fridge initiative,” Aguilar said. “The fact that other clubs are already expressing interest in future projects shows that we’re on the right track.”
The drive is only the beginning of what the organizers hope will become a long-term commitment to supporting the sanctuary. Discussions are already underway for future initiatives, including a clothing bank, a library with books for English as a second language learners and tutoring programs for children at the sanctuary.
“We’re talking about creating sustainable support for these families,” Aguilar said. “It’s not just about one-time service project during Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s about making a year-round effort.”
These plans demonstrate the drive’s potential to spark a culture of continuous service and inspire other students and organizations to get involved.
For the organizers, the most rewarding aspect of the drive has been witnessing the immediate impact of their efforts.
“Knowing that what you’re doing is helping people in real-time is incredibly fulfilling,” Blair said. “It’s almost like instant gratification to see how much these donations mean to families in need.
As the Thanksgiving “Giving” Drive draws to a close, the organizers are making a heartfelt appeal to the community.
“If you have ideas or want to start something, reach out to CMSA or one of our offices,” Cayetano Ambrocio said. “We’re always here to help organize drives, plan service days, or advocate for social justice.”