WESTFIELD – Students in Westfield State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) collected more than $2,500 and purchased 141 turkeys for the Westfield chapter of the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army distributes the turkeys to families in the area that are in need and cannot afford to purchase them on their own.
Community Relations/Fundraising Representative Marissa Cremin ’18 of Easton, Mass. coordinated the turkey drive. This is her second year participating in the drive, which she says is vital for the community.
“Although we many not see it, the reality is that many people in this community struggle with knowing if they will be able to provide enough food to their families each week to get by,” Cremin said. “No one should have to worry about this, especially during the holiday season. Everyone deserves to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families, and I’m happy to know that we are at least a small part of helping to make this happen.”
Student Government representatives traveled around campus collecting money from students, faculty, and staff. SGA has held a turkey drive annually since 1997 and in its 19 years of fundraising, 2015 yielded the highest amount donations collected. Cremin said she isn’t surprised at the generosity of the Westfield State community.
“Westfield State’s an amazing place and I’ve found that people here are usually willing to contribute to great causes,” Cremin said. “It’s inspiring to me how students, faculty, and staff are always finding new ways to make a difference on campus, and in the community.”
After collecting the money, students purchased the turkeys at the Big Y on East Main Street and delivered them to the Salvation Army.
According to Lori Matthews, outreach coordinator for the Salvation Army, there are close to 400 families in the area that are in need of turkeys for Thanksgiving and Westfield State will be responsible for supplying turkeys for 35 percent of those families.
“We’re very pleased with the outpouring of community support,” Matthews said. “Westfield State came through for us and because of the university’s turkey drive, 141 families will be able to have Thanksgiving dinner.”
While Cremin is pleased with Westfield State’s donation totals, she has big plans for the future of the SGA turkey drive.
“Last year there were about 300 families in the area in need of a turkey at Thanksgiving, and this number continues to grow,” Cremin said. “I hope that someday the Westfield State turkey drive will grow enough so that it can provide a turkey to every one of those families in need.”
