Communities In Schools and Catawba program bring Thanksgiving joy to 60 families
Published 11:45 pm Saturday, November 25, 2023
Staff report
In the spirit of gratitude and community, Communities In Schools of Rowan, in collaboration with Catawba College Resident’s Life Program, has come together to ensure that 60 local families will have a bountiful Thanksgiving this year. The joint effort between the two organizations aims to spread holiday cheer and support to needy families, reflecting the true essence of Thanksgiving.
Communities In Schools of Rowan, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life, joined forces with Catawba College Housing and Resident’s Life Program, which focuses on creating a vibrant and supportive living and learning environment for college students.
This year’s initiative, spearheaded by both organizations, involved assembling and distributing Thanksgiving meal packages to 60 families within the community. The packages include all the essentials for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, ensuring each family can enjoy a hearty and wholesome meal during the holiday season.
The collaboration was met with enthusiasm from both organizations and the community. Staff from Communities In Schools of Rowan and students from Catawba College worked tirelessly to collect and organize the food items, which ranged from turkeys and stuffing to sides and desserts.
“The holiday season is a time for coming together and supporting one another,” said James Davis, executive director of Community In Schools of Rowan. “We are delighted to collaborate with Catawba College Resident’s Life Program to bring joy and warmth to the families in our community during Thanksgiving. It’s heartening to see the Catawba students rallying around this initiative.”
Catawba College Resident’s Life Program echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and its positive impact on individuals and families.
“We believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from supporting each other,” said Catawba College Resident’s Life Program representative Mathew Henderson. “Partnering with Communities In Schools of Rowan allows us to extend our outreach beyond the college campus and make a meaningful contribution to the broader community.”
The Thanksgiving meal package was distributed at nine local schools, where families were provided with the essential food items and experienced a sense of connection and camaraderie. The event brought smiles to faces and fostered a spirit of togetherness, embodying the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
As the holiday season kicks off, Communities In Schools of Rowan and Catawba College Resident’s Life Program’s joint initiative exemplifies the impact collaboration and community support can have on those in need. This Thanksgiving, 60 families in the Rowan community will be able to gather around the table with gratitude, thanks to the generosity and compassion of these two organizations.