30th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Unites USF Community
In 1995, the inaugural Thanksgiving Food Drive was organized by the original Alumni Board of Governors, in the spirit of USF’s support for communities throughout the greater San Francisco area.
Over the past thirty years, this tradition has grown as a living expression of the university’s Jesuit values and USF’s dedication to community and generosity.
The collaborative endeavor begins with a two-week campaign, rallying participants around a shared mission of giving. Through the contributions from compassionate donors, the Food Drive Committee transforms donations into groceries, groceries into Thanksgiving meals, and meals into moments of comfort and joy.
The Thanksgiving meals are hand delivered by USF student volunteers, including members of the men’s baseball team, to families across the Western Addition and Tenderloin Neighborhoods of San Francisco.
This year, in honor of the 30th Thanksgiving Food Drive Anniversary 106 generous alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members collaborated to raise more than $10,158 to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to more than 160 families.
Branson Lennon ’26 and Rainie Stevens ’26 have been co-chair of the Thanksgiving Food Drive Committee for two years.
“The USF Thanksgiving Food Drive is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Lennon and Stevens.
“This year we are so excited to say that we’ve gathered 200 students to volunteer in making Thanksgiving dinners. It’s always been really important to both of us, as student-athletes, to give back to our community in the Bay Area and ensure that all the recipients of our dinners get to enjoy a warm meal with their loved ones.”
For three decades, the Thanksgiving Food Drive has shown how the USF community, united in purpose, can lift others up and make a meaningful difference.
Help ensure every family feels supported this holiday season. Be part of the spirit of giving at USF »
