When the holidays roll around at Syracuse University, creativity doesn’t just deck the halls—it fuels campuswide acts of kindness that are as spirited as they are surprising. From quirky fundraising challenges to heartfelt letter-writing campaigns and community meal preparation, students across campus are finding innovative ways to support those in need.
Fundraising With a Twist
Racing to finish their heads of lettuce, participants support the Coach Mac Food Pantry and raise awareness about student food insecurity.
In its inaugural year, the Lettuce Club’s signature event drew curious onlookers and enthusiastic participants united by a singularly strange goal—eating an entire head of iceberg lettuce as fast as possible.
“I feel like people are drawn to strange things,” says Owen Wilson ’27, president of the Lettuce Club. “The participants we had were all on the same page: It’s strange, but it’s fun.”
Decked out in Grinch hats and laughing with friends, competitors embrace the fun of the contest.
Beneath the humor of the “bring-your-own-dressing” challenge, the event served a serious mission: raising funds for the Coach Mac Food Pantry in Hendricks Chapel and raising awareness about food insecurity among college students.
“Informing the student body about food insecurity—and pointing them to an on-campus resource—was a no-brainer for a silly food challenge,” Wilson explains. “My hope is that students have a higher understanding of food insecurity, especially among their peers, going into the holiday season.”
Spreading Handwritten Cheer
With every card made, students turn craft supplies into bright moments for children in hospitals.
Some students are proving that a few words and a splash of color can brighten the holiday season in a big way. Two student organizations—Letters of Love and Campus Cursive—have made letter-writing their mission, sending encouragement to those who need it most.
At a recent Letters of Love event, students gathered to create colorful cards for children in hospitals. “Letters of Love brings students from across campus together around the shared purpose of spreading kindness to children and families facing incredibly difficult circumstances,” says co-president Hannah Ragan ’26. “It strengthens community from both ends, bringing hope and encouragement to children, while fostering empathy, gratitude and a sense of shared humanity among our students.”
For many students, making cards becomes a meaningful pause in a busy semester—one that fosters empathy, gratitude and a deeper sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, every Tuesday evening, Campus Cursive members gather in Schine Student Center to write uplifting letters for people nominated by friends and family or selected from a national database. President Taryn Keefe ’27 has seen firsthand the impact of these simple gestures.
“Last semester, I nominated my mother because she was going through a difficult time, and she ended up framing all the letters in her office,” Keefe shares. “She even says that when she’s having a rough day, she rereads them to remind herself of her strength.”
The practice strengthens the campus community as well. “The act of writing creates intentional moments of kindness and fosters a shared sense of belonging across campus,” Keefe says. “This becomes especially important during the holiday season, when students from many backgrounds benefit from a community that feels welcoming, supportive and inclusive.”
Nourishing the Community
Working side by side, volunteers craft sandwiches and forge connections, building community through hands-on service.
Beyond cards and competitions, Syracuse students are feeding their neighbors—one sandwich at a time. Through the Catholic Center at Syracuse University, Slice of Hope combines faith, fellowship and hands-on service.
Each month during the academic year, students volunteer to assemble sandwiches for the Assumption Food Pantry on Syracuse’s Northside, producing more than 700 sandwiches each time.
Volunteers assemble more than 700 sandwiches each month for the Assumption Food Pantry, supporting families across Syracuse.
“Slice of Hope brings students together around a shared purpose—to help local families—while providing a consistent, welcoming space to connect,” says Jessica Gutierrez ’26, president of the Catholic Student Association.
For students navigating demanding academic schedules, these gatherings offer perspective. “With classes, deadlines and the fast pace of campus, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of the broader Syracuse community beyond the University bubble,” Gutierrez reflects. “The sandwich-making event gives students the chance to pause, reconnect with one another and refocus on the people around them who may be struggling.”
From racing through heads of lettuce to writing letters and assembling sandwiches, Syracuse students are proving that community service takes many forms—and every act makes a difference. This holiday season, their creativity, compassion and commitment are shaping a campus—and a city—that thrive on connection and care.
