Sharing the Feast Project provides Thanksgiving meals for local families
Rivier's 2022 Sharing the Feast Project supports its neighbors in need.
Rivier University’s annual Sharing the Feast Project raised more than $10,000 in donations and scores of food items from members of the Rivier University and Sunset Heights Elementary School communities. This year’s drive has provided Thanksgiving meals for nearly 500 families. Donations were given to Rivier’s network of non-profit community partners for distribution.
The traditional interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service was held in person this year giving thanks and blessings to the food and community members. Rivier athletic teams, first-year students, Campus Ministry Club members, the Student Government Association, and the Sunset Heights Elementary School community were acknowledged for their fundraising support. Representatives from the participating non-profit agencies attended the service. At its conclusion, Rivier students and staff carried the donated food bags to the agencies’ waiting trucks and vans.
“The need is greater this year given the higher costs for food, gas, and utilities,” says Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, Rivier’s President. “Members of the community responded generously, surpassing last year’s donation total by 15%. It’s a privilege to help our neighbors in need.”
Rivier’s community partner, Sunset Heights Elementary School students and staff, have participated in the Sharing the Feast Project for 33 years. Each year they hold a food drive, and the PTO raises money to donate turkeys to the event. A student from each grade, along with school administrators, attended the prayer service and the following luncheon to celebrate the event and upcoming holiday.
Thirteen Nashua-area agencies received donations this year including Ascentria Care Alliance, Catholic Charities New Hampshire, Corpus Christi Food Pantry, Cynthia Day Family Services, Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire, Foundation Oncology and Hematology, HIV Services at Harbor Care, Healthy at Home, Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, New Fellowship Baptist Church Community Outreach Resource & Education Center Nashua, the Salvation Army, Title One, and Xavier House.