As the holiday season begins, an Anselmian tradition continues here at Saint Anselm College. One of the largest outpourings of charity during the school year, the Thanksgiving Basket Drive held by Campus Ministry, had another successful collection this year.
This event is a representation of the community’s Benedictine values, and sees the participation of many different groups on campus. Students, as well as the faculty, staff and administrators, all come together for this event that aids Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Manchester, N.H. Often students compile baskets with their friends, roommates, sports teams, or clubs, and nearly every office on campus contributes a basket.
Started by Sister Pauline Lucier, the Thanksgiving Basket donation has been sponsored by Campus Ministry every holiday season since 2002. It is only asked that the donation provide enough food to feed a family of five to eight people, and it is suggested that a turkey, stuffing, vegetables, gravy, and a dessert are all included in the basket. Often the baskets get very creative, including items that can be used again like tablecloths, decorations, utensils, and laundry baskets. Some groups even choose to include a greeting card or a gift card.
This year 125 baskets were brought to Campus Ministry and donated to local families in need. Before being distributed, the baskets received a ceremonial blessing at the Saint Anselm Abbey Church. It was asked that all donations be brought to the Abbey Church on November 19 for the ceremonial Blessing of the Baskets, where they were either arranged at the altar or held by those donating them.
The blessing began with a few words from Stephen Knight of Catholic Charities, followed by Father Jonathon DeFelice. After a song, Father Anselm Smedile asked that those still holding their baskets deliver their gifts to the altar for the blessing. Volunteers then assisted in loading the baskets into cars and delivering them to Catholic Charities in Manchester.
Campus Ministry’s next project with Catholic Charities is the Christmas Giving Tree which collects gifts for local children in need. The Saint Anselm community will be donating gifts to children ages ten through eighteen who are, unfortunately, most often forgotten in toy and gift collections. Gift tags can be selected from Giving Trees located in Alumni Hall, Campus Ministry or the Abbey Church. All gifts must be returned to Campus Ministry with the tag attached by Saturday, December 15.