This year, Manor College recognized the global day of giving—Giving Tuesday—by focusing on food insecurity among college students and the larger community. 

The first goal of Giving Tuesday was to raise $5,000 to support the on-campus food pantry, Bird Feed. While the Bird Feed has been highly successful and utilized every week by students in need, upgrades and improvements could help expand its offerings. The pantry, for example, lacked a refrigerator, limiting donation types. By the end of Giving Tuesday, an incredible $6,390 had been raised to support the Food Drive, ensuring that the pantry can continue to meet the growing needs of the Manor community.

“The overwhelming success of this year’s Giving Tuesday will allow us to renovate our current food pantry with new shelves, paint, and an inventory management system. With the generous donation of a refrigerator from President Peri, we will now be able to offer fresh produce and dairy products to our students and their families,” says Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, Allison Mootz. “Our biggest project, creating a community garden, will also be funded by Giving Tuesday donations. The community’s generosity helps Major continue to provide for our students!” 

The second goal of Giving Tuesday was to help Rise Against Hunger package 10,000 meals in just a few short hours. Rise Against Hunger is an international relief organization dedicated to mitigating hunger by distributing food and aid to the world’s most vulnerable populations. This event required numerous Rise Against Hunger volunteers, students, staff, faculty, and even Dr. Peri to work closely together. The Manor Community was once again able to pull off an incredible feat. Students were instrumental in not only preparing the meals, but helping to set up the space and package up after the event was over. 

“Manor College and WSFS Bank successfully made 10,000 meals in two hours with Rise Against Hunger! This event was a great way to build community among those in attendance, as well as raise awareness about food insecurity around the world,” explains Ashley Hillegas, Direct of Student Engagement. “Manor College would like to thank WSFS Bank for sponsoring this event!”

As a nod to the school’s heritage, and in place of bread baking, students also helped decorate Christmas cookies for the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great next door. 

Manor would like to thank everyone who participated, as well as the generous donors who made this day of giving possible.