To the Editor:
As the winter chill envelops our community, it becomes increasingly important to reflect on the values that bind us together. Winter is not just about snowflakes and festivities; it is also a season that can be harsh for those who lack the means to shield themselves from the biting cold. This is why Syracuse University is once again teaming up with InterFaith Works of CNY for a community-wide coat drive known as Operation Orange Warmup. It’s not simply a coat collection drive; it is a testament to our commitment to community well-being and a demonstration of the Orange spirit in action.
The heart of this initiative lies in the upcoming Syracuse men’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 27, against North Carolina State. Attendees of the game will have the opportunity to contribute to this cause by bringing new or gently used coats. The JMA Wireless Dome will be dotted with strategically placed donation bins at gates A, B, C, D, E, F, M and N. The generosity of Orange fans is not limited to a game night; collection bins will be available at key locations on campus at Hendricks Chapel and Schine Student Center, and at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse downtown from Tuesday, Jan. 23, through Friday, Jan. 26, allowing everyone to contribute, regardless of their attendance at the game.
Behind this endeavor are not only dedicated organizers but also an army of student volunteers from various university groups, embodying the spirit of service and communal responsibility. Members of the JMA Dome staff manage the sorting and laundering of the donations, guaranteeing that each coat carries not only warmth but also a sense of dignity for its recipient. InterFaith Works handles distribution to ensure the collected coats find their way to those who need them most. The doors of giving are wide open, and every contribution, big or small, adds to the collective warmth that Operation Orange Warmup seeks to share.
As the vice president of community engagement, I am proud to witness the Orange spirit shining through in Operation Orange Warmup. It is a reminder that our strength as a community lies not just in our shared victories but also in our collective compassion and willingness to extend a helping hand. Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire Syracuse University community, we can make a tangible difference, sharing the warmth with those in need this winter. Together, let us embody the true spirit of Syracuse —– a community that cares.
Cydney Johnson
VP of Community Relations and Government Affairs
Syracuse University
Syracuse
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