Make a Difference Week
Sunday, September 25-Saturday, October 1, 2022
Every year during the fall semester hundreds of Iona students, staff, and faculty engage in a variety of service, advocacy, and philanthropic efforts on campus and in local communities during Make a Difference Week. Make a Difference Week is coordinated by the Office of Mission & Ministry but is truly a collaborative effort with help from all corners of Iona. This annual week of service and advocacy is a major demonstration of Iona University’s commitment to education and action for justice and liberation.
Make a Difference Week at Iona is kicked-off with the Iona University Day of Service sending hundreds of Gaels into the local community on projects and the Best Buddies – Success Center Kickball Game. The students who participate in the Success Center afterschool program and the Best Buddy adults with developmental disabilities and their Iona buddies make up the teams of all-stars who play in the game. The teams are cheered on and celebrated by the Iona community who comes out to support our friends.
The ensuing week is full of many volunteer opportunities such as a Midnight Run, park clean-ups, fundraisers, educational and advocacy programs to help link our volunteer service to the struggle for justice.
If you have any questions, please email Dr. Sean D’Alfonso, director of Mission & Ministry, at sdalfonso@iona.edu.
Event Descriptions
Weeklong Events
Iona University Food Pantry Drive
RA's from the Office of Residential Life are organizing a food drive to support the Iona University Food Pantry.
Read more details: Weeklong Events
Sunday, September 25
Books & Ball Event with BGCNR, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Lincoln Park
Members of Iona University’s Athletics Department will volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle’s Books and Ball Event.
Kickoff Mass & Hospitality, 6-7 p.m., Holy Family
Join us at the Kickoff Mass for Make a Difference Week at Holy Family Parish. Free snacks after Mass!
Monday, September 26
Make a Difference with Sustainable Westchester, 12:30 p.m., Spellman Portico
Join staff from Sustainable Westchester to learn more about their programs and how you can live more sustainably on or off campus!
Iona in Mission Info Session, 12:30 p.m., Burke Lounge
Do you like to travel? Want to serve on an Iona in Mission trip this year? Join us for an information session about this year’s Iona in Mission trips.
Apply for an Iona in Mission trip
Bingo at Willow Towers, 1:45-3:45 p.m., Starbucks (LaPenta Student Union)
Join Campus Minister Meg on a weekly trip to Willow Towers Assisted Living Center where volunteers will be playing bingo with residents.
Sign up: Bingo at Willow Towers
Tuesday, September 27
Lecture: “The Call of the Great Work for the Earth Community,” Noon, Burke Lounge
Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker serves as the Director the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale University and will be delivering a lecture sponsored by the Deignan Institute, Thomas Berry Forum and Faculty Steering Committee on Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
Pathways to Peace, 6 p.m., End Zone
Join Campus Minister, Shakinah for a series of conversations with local spiritual teachers. Her guests will share their spiritual path and the meaningful practices that help them find balance and peace. This week’s guest is Brother Devlin, CFC!
Wednesday, September 28
Post-Graduate Service Opportunities Fair, 12:30-2 p.m., Burke Lounge
Join community partners, non-profit organizations and faith-based service programs to learn how you might be able to serve or work with them after graduation. Free food in Burke Lounge!
Thursday, September 29
Iona in Mission Info Session, Noon-1 p.m., McGrath Room
Do you like to travel? Want to serve on an Iona in Mission trip this year? Join us for an information session about this year’s Iona in Mission trips.
Apply for an Iona in Mission trip
Give Grant Coffee Talk Series, 5:30-6:30 p.m., End Zone
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Iona GIVE Grant is hosting a Coffee Talk Series- “How to Help a Friend,” to provide students with on and off campus resources.
Hospitality Supper, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Montgomery House Lawn
Join Phi Sigma Sigma for free food and great conversation as they host a weekly Hospitality Supper.
Midnight Run, 8 p.m.-Midnight, Montgomery House
Join Campus Ministers Jamie and Javi as they lead a Midnight Run Service project. Volunteers will help to bring food and clothing to those experiencing homelessness in New York City.
Friday, September 30
Fuller Center for Housing Build, 8 a.m.-Noon, Montgomery House
Join Campus Minister Tim to learn about the need for affordable housing in Westchester County. Volunteers will help to renovate and rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Ida.
Westchester Parks Clean River Project, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Montgomery House
Join Campus Minister Ryan on a service project with Westchester Parks. Students will help to clean up the Bronx River on this trip.
Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mulcahy Gym
Sponsored by Delta Theta Beta & The Chemistry Club
Did you know that blood donations save lives? Donations are essential for people in a variety of situations including surgeries, transplants, chronic illnesses and more. Give today and help fight the good fight!
Hearts and Homes for Refugees Info Session, Noon-1 p.m., End Zone
Hearts and Homes for Refugees is a local non-profit based in New Rochelle that helps refugee families find housing and provides them with services. Join us for an information session on how you can volunteer with the program.
“Burritos Make a Difference,” 12:30-1:30 p.m., Murphy Green
Stop by Murphy Green for the Iona Counseling Center’s to get a free burrito and have a great conversation.
GIVE Grant: Iona GIVE Care T-Shirt Event, 2-4 p.m., LaPenta Marketplace
Stop by the La Penta Student Union to write a message and words of empowerment, hope and support on T-shirts that will be displayed during Domestic Violence Awareness month in October.
Boys and Girls Club Service Trip, 3-6 p.m., New Rochelle BGCNR
Join Campus Minister Shakinah on a service project to Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. Volunteers will play games and spend time with local students.
Saturday, October 1
Women 2 Women Service Trip, 8 a.m.-Noon, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
Volunteers will join Campus Minister Elizabeth on a trip to spend time and share conversations with those incarcerated at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.