ATSU students provide Thanksgiving baskets for families in need
Posted: November 24, 2017
A.T. Still University (ATSU) student organization, Sigma Sigma Phi, created Thanksgiving baskets for community members in need. The idea for the event started this past spring when students raised around $1,440 and created 36 Easter baskets that included meals, candy, and toys for families with young children. With the success from that event, Sigma Sigma Phi decided to make Thanksgiving baskets as well.
All 48 members of Sigma Sigma Phi participated by emailing donations, buying supplies, assembling baskets, and more. A goal of 40 baskets was set and passed. More than $2,131 in donations was collected, and 52 baskets for families in need were made. Contributions came from all across the Kirksville, Missouri campus. A total of 22 student organizations, 10 academic departments, and 16 individual donors pitched in to contribute to the basket collection.
The Thanksgiving baskets typically included a $25 gift card to Hy-Vee for families to choose a meat of their choice, a box of stuffing mix, box of mashed potatoes, four cans of vegetables, one can of cranberry sauce, one can of gravy, one pack of rolls, a pie, and an aluminum cooking pan. Through extra funds from the donations, all families with young children and babies were also able to receive a two-pack of baby wipes, and all 52 families received a nine-pack of toilet paper.
Through ATSU and Sigma Sigma Phi, many families in the Kirksville community were able to have a happier, healthier Thanksgiving holiday.