Nothing tops off Thanksgiving dinner quite like a freshly baked apple pie. But for so many families in our community, this cherished holiday staple is a luxury they can’t afford. With this in mind, St. John’s University students took action. “Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference,” said Liz D’Orsa ’13Ed, a sister of Theta Phi Alpha Sorority who, along with a group of other St. John’s fraternity and sorority members and student-athletes, came together on the days before Thanksgiving to bake 300 pies for distribution to charities within the community. “Those of us who were involved in this project,” she continued, “will never forget that we helped real people to understand that others cared about them at a very emotional time of year.” In addition to baking, students assisted the local charities with distributing the pies to those in need, allowing them to meet the individuals they were directly impacting. After speaking with these families, the students realized that they had done so much more than simply bake pies: they had made Thanksgiving happier for families who would remember their generosity long after the pie was finished. “Baking these pies was a great opportunity to show what the University’s commitment to caring for others is all about,” noted D’Orsa. “We were all there because we wanted to make Thanksgiving a little nicer for the people who depended on these charities for their holiday meal, and it’s nice to know that hundreds of families were able to enjoy what we made for them.” Like so many St. John’s students, D’Orsa has learned the importance of giving to others. And opportunities like this – moments where students take action and see the impact of their service – will help her carry that commitment forward for the rest of her life. Through the generous support of our donors, St. John’s students have numerous opportunities to carry their mission of service into the community. Please consider making a gift today so that they can continue to make a difference in the future.