by Danny Flannery
When winter break begins, Bison looks forward to a well-earned rest. However, the spirit of “Truth and Service” never stops and campus students and staff strive to give back to the community. The following donation drives, run by WHUR FM, Howard University Alternative Spring Break (HUASB) volunteers, and the Office of the Dean of Chapel, are just the tip of the iceberg that demonstrates the Howard family’s commitment to supporting others.
Beating the FOOD2FEED 2025 Goal
This year WHUR 96.3 FM 47th Annual FOOD2FEED Radiothon he really outdid himself. The fundraiser, organized in partnership with Truist, Macys and HUASB and the Office of the Dean of the Chapel, raised more than $61,000 for families in need – more than the original goal of $40,000 – and also collected a truckload of non-perishable food to feed families in need this holiday season. Outside the studios, HUASB volunteers stopped on Georgia Avenue and called for in-person donations.
Monetary donations for the fund are still open until the end of the year. Donate today.
23rd Annual Toy Drive
Also hosted by WHUR-FM, this year’s Annual Toy Drive brought in over 2,000 toys last Saturday, December 13th. Donations will go to Children in Need at the DMV, distributed by a network of nonprofit organizations.
“The WHUR family has once again shown what the power of community looks like,” said WHUR-FM General Manager Sean Plater. story on the station’s website. “For 23 years, our listeners, partners and staff have come together to make sure children feel seen, valued and loved during the holidays. This toy drive is more than a gift – it’s hope, joy and reassurance for families who need it most.”
Bring back the bison strike
Formerly known as Howard University’s Angel Tree Project, each year the Bison Holiday Giveback brings joy to those in need as Howard University students, faculty, staff and community members donate much-needed gifts for children in Washington, DC. The program is coordinated by Howard University Chapel Assistants, who work with schools, shelters and community centers to identify children in need.
This year, more than 600 individual gifts from more than 130 groups and individuals were distributed to local children. Teams of volunteers and the Howard mailroom collaborated to ensure each gift was wrapped, labeled and delivered.
“The project was humbling in the way it challenged me as a leader and as a person,” said Alexis Conner, Chapel Assistants president and sophomore nursing major. “Thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in what we’re missing, the Bison Holiday Give Back program offers a chance to see what small actions are needed to allow this holiday season to shine a little brighter for the children and youth in our community.”
“I am always impressed by the commitment of our students to serve the community,” said Rankin Chapel Dean Bernard L. Richardson.
Howard University’s relief effort to provide relief to Jamaican communities affected by Hurricane Melissa is exceeding its goal
Following reports of Hurricane Melissa’s impact across the Atlantic last month, Howard University announced a coordinated relief effort to help communities in Jamaica facing severe devastation from the Category 5 storm. One of the strongest storms ever recorded in the region, Hurricane Melissa’s impact spread across Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, causing widespread flooding, catastrophic infrastructure damage and widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
Jamaica is home to many members of Howard University’s global community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. In response, the university launched the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund, which runs from November 19 to December 8. non-perishable goods, as well as funds raised to assist Jamaican communities recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa. Bison and the surrounding community did indeed more than double the university’s goal of $25,000.
on Thursday, December 18 Wayne AI Frederick (BS ’92, MD ’94, MBA ’11) interim president, president emeritus and Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery presented a check for $54,884 to His Excellency Maj. Gen. (ret.) Anthony Anderson, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States.
A chance to give all year round
It doesn’t have to be the holidays to give back. If you’re looking for a way to make an impact year-round, consider this Donation to HUASB. Your gift helps ensure that Howard students can impact disadvantaged communities around the world.
