To show appreciation for its student body, the Housatonic Community College (HCC) Student Senate handed out 200 Thanksgiving meal bags on Friday. Each thermal bag was filled with holiday dinner staples such as stuffing, potatoes, green beans, cranberries and pumpkin. In addition, the first 50 students received turkeys and another 10 students received donated Stop & Shop gift cards to buy one.
"Thanksgiving is going to be so much different this year and many of us will be spending it alone. These bags bring a little bit of cheer,” said Gina Freddino, a second-year criminal justice student.
Each year, HCC’s Student Senate typically offers a full traditional holiday meal on campus for students, faculty and staff, but this year the group found an alternate, and safe way to express gratitude for their HCC family. Student cars lined up all along Broad Street in Bridgeport to receive the generous donations without contact.
“For the Student Senate to once again feed our students at Housatonic Community College, it certainly is a big deal. Knowing that COVID-19 has affected many people, and being able to provide and put food on their table is something that I’m very happy we’re able to do,” said Jaylen Daniels, Co-President of HCC Student Senate.
With a population of over 6,800 students, HCC serves an eleven-town region spanning Fairfield and New Haven counties. Most students are low-to-moderate income, and some struggle with poverty and food insecurity while working toward earning their degrees.
“We know that some of our students experience food insecurity and take pride in supporting them. For HCC student families who are struggling financially, or are experiencing unemployment due to pandemic shutdowns, this Thanksgiving meal can provide hope and send a message that their community cares,” said Dwayne Smith, Ph.D., HCC Chief Executive Officer.
Photos credit: Laura Roberts
Caption For Photo Above: HCC Student Senate Vice President Antonia Oglesby shows some of the contents of the Thanksgiving meal bags.
Caption For Photo Right: Jaylen Daniels, Co-President of HCC Student Senate stands with Vice President Antonia Oglesby as they distribute 200 Thanksgiving meal bags to Housatonic Community College students.
Caption For Photo Right: 200 Housatonic Community College students participated in a Thanksgiving dinner drive-through to receive the generous meal donation without contact.
Caption For Photo Right: 200 Housatonic Community College students participated in a Thanksgiving dinner drive-through to receive the generous meal donation without contact.