On Monday, November 24, 2008, the Iona College Athletic Department participated in the college’s annual Thanksgiving Drive. Members of Iona’s 21 Division I athletic teams were asked to purchase and assemble “baskets” to give to economically disadvantaged families to try and spread the joy that the Thanksgiving season brings. The Gaels presented a total of 17 baskets at the Blessing Ceremony held in the Mulcahy Gym. The baskets were beautifully packaged and filled with traditional foods of Thanksgiving, including sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and apple cider!

Sponsored by Campus Ministries, the Blessing Ceremony included the offering of prayers, reflections, and songs of Catholic tradition. The baskets were distributed to area food banks, and the Greyston Family Inn in Yonkers. The Thanksgiving Drive was once again a huge success. With both project organizers and student-athletesalike thrilled with the overall outcome of their efforts, it was truly something special to be involved in.