Media Advisory: Eastern to Host 11th Annual Day of Giving

WILLIMANTIC, CT (11/21/2017) Eastern Connecticut State University's 11th annual Day of Giving will occur on Nov. 22 in Hurley Hall. The event is open to Willimantic residents who might not otherwise enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. The meal will be served from 12-2 p.m.

This major community event-which served more than 700 guests last year-is a collaboration between Eastern's Center for Community Engagement (CCE), the Office of Institutional Advancement and Chartwells, Eastern's food service provider.

The festive spread of turkey, stuffing and all the traditional fixings will be donated by the ECSU Foundation and Chartwells. Chartwells staff will donate their time to prepare the food and decorate the dining hall. More than 50 volunteers from the Eastern community-students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university-will serve food, provide transportation, welcome guests, lead children's activities and clean up.

During the weeks leading up to the Day of Giving, the CCE has been conducting food drives at area grocery stores. Additionally, collection boxes have been placed throughout the Eastern campus in residence halls, classroom buildings and administration buildings. Donations will go to the Covenant Soup Kitchen and other local food pantries. Area grocery stores that participated include the Willimantic Food Co-op, Bob's IGA in South Windham, Stop & Shop in East Hampton in Uncasville, and Better Value Super Market in Canterbury.

Additionally, collection boxes have been placed throughout the Eastern campus in residence halls, classroom buildings and administration buildings. Last year, 859 food items were donated on campus; the goal for this year is 1,000 items.

(NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: This event has great visuals and lots of interview opportunities. It is a nice "feel good" human interest/community service story for print, radio, television and Internet media alike. Come join us!)