Rutgers University-Newark prides itself on being part of Newark, not merely located in Newark.  All year round members of the campus community play active roles in the greater Newark community, supplying both human and financial resources to enrich our neighbors’ lives. This community activism takes special forms during the holiday season; here are just a few of the ways that Rutgers University-Newark makes a difference this time of year.

NJ STATE EMPLOYEES CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN
A tradition throughout Rutgers for years, every year many employees from all campuses opt to participate in the NJ State Employees Charitable Campaign, voluntarily electing to ether make a donation through regular payroll deductions or to make a one-time contribution to assist their neighbors in New Jersey. The funds go to charitable organizations in the state, and employees can choose which one(s) they wish to support. Last year Rutgers University-Newark staff and faculty members contributed more than $34,000 to a broad selection of New Jersey charities.

THE RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-NEWARK ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS CENTER AND THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND
The Educational Opportunity Fund program holds its annual “RU-N-Angel” fundraiser for holiday gifts for children at both Babyland Family Violence Shelter and Apostle House, a project coordinated by Senior Counselors Engelbert Santana and Miriam Montalvo.  Last year’s drive, led by EOF students, generated more than $2,200. For more information, please contact Engelbert Santana at 973-353-3561.

The Rutgers Future Scholars- Newark Campus program participates in the Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH) campaign  by collecting “wish list” items for a designated family in need. The scholars and staff donated both items from the family’s wish list and monetary donations.  Tanisha Robinson (tanisha.robinson@rutgers.edu) is coordinating the RAH campaign.

RUTGERS ALUMNI
Every autumn RU-Newark alumni and their families, along with Rutgers students and New Brunswick campus alumni, perform an Alumni Day of Service and this year was no exception. This year approximately 42 volunteers traveled from the Newark campus to Hillside, N.J., to pitch in at the Community FoodBank.

 Additionally, the Rutgers University College –Newark Alumni Association (RUCNAA) raises funds for worthy causes, supporting  two such efforts this year. The alumni association provided gift cards to families in need – this year, $35 gift cards for a popular supermarket chain were given to 35 families.  In addition, the group conducted a gift drive for local shelter.  “As members of our community we feel grateful to be able assist families in need as best we can,” explains RUCNAA President Christina Baez.

 

OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS & BRAIN HEALTH INITIATIVE OF THE CENTER FOR MOLECULAR AND BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE

This collaboration has the goal of educating the local African-American community about its greater risk of developing dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease and ways to promote healthy aging. Toward that end, every year the campus hosts a demonstration of “Brain and Heart-Healthy Soul Food Cooking for the Holidays,” inviting community members to learn how to cook healthier meals.  After watching meal preparation demonstrations, attendees get to eat their delicious lesson! This event is offered with the American Heart/American Stroke Association’s  Check. Change. Control. ™ Program.