Make a Difference Week
Saturday, September 23-Saturday, September 30, 2023
Every year during the fall semester hundreds of Iona students, staff, and faculty engage in a variety of service, advocacy, and philanthropic efforts on campus and in local communities during Make a Difference Week. Make a Difference Week is coordinated by the Office of Mission & Ministry but is truly a collaborative effort with help from all corners of Iona. This annual week of service and advocacy is a major demonstration of Iona University’s commitment to education and action for justice and liberation.
We begin on Sunday, with the 6 p.m. student Mass, and the ensuing week is full of many volunteer opportunities such as a Midnight Run, park clean-ups, children’s programs, home building, fundraisers, and educational and advocacy programs to help link our volunteer service to the struggle for justice.
If you have any questions, please email Dr. Sean D’Alfonso, director of Mission & Ministry, at sdalfonso@iona.edu.
Event Descriptions
Saturday, September 23
Women to Women Information and Training Session
11 a.m., Montgomery House
Join CM Cara to learn about how you can serve with the Women to Women Bedford Hills Prison Ministry program this year.
Sunday, September 24
Make a Difference Week Kickoff Mass
6 p.m., Holy Family Church
Support the work of our 2023 Cornelia Lecturer, Father Alvaro Ramos.
Monday, September 25
School Supplies Drive
12:30–2 p.m., Murphy Green
Join the Education Club and Campus Minister Ryan to donate your school supplies and get sweet treats in return! Any school supplies are welcome: pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, scissors, calculators, etc. (new or gently used). All collected items will be donated to local Men's and Women's shelters.
Sponsored by the Education Club
Dance Team Service Project with Monarch Cooper Corner
7 p.m., Monarch Senior Center
Members of Iona’s Dance Team will spend time playing board games and trivia, and perform for residents of Monarch Cooper Corner’s Senior Center.
Sponsored by Iona Performing Arts
Tuesday, September 26
Gift of Life Swab Event
11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Murphy Green
The Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a public bone marrow and blood stem cell registry that facilitates transplants for children and adults suffering from life-threatening illnesses, including leukemia, lymphoma, other cancers and genetic diseases. Stop by to participate in their swabbing event to see if you might be a potential donor.
Sponsored by CGG
Your Story, Iona’s Story Series
Life & Times of Edmund Rice: Founding of the Brothers and of Iona University
Noon, Murphy Center Auditorium
Dr. Br. Dennis Gunn, CFC, will speak on the founding of Iona, the Brothers and provide perspectives from travels with Iona students in Ireland.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Core Curriculum Committee
Willow Towers Senior Center Project
Noon-2 p.m.
Join CM Emma on a trip to play games, pray the rosary, and chat with the residents at Willow Towers Nursing home.
G.I.V.E. it a GO! - How to help a friend: Resources On & Off Campus
Noon-1 p.m. – End Zone – LaPenta Student Union
You or someone you know needs help and support regarding an issue of Sexual Misconduct. Join us to learn about where to go, who to talk to and how to get help for you or your friend(s) in need.
Sponsored by Iona’s GIVE Grant
Wednesday, September 27
Your Story, Iona’s Story Series
Life & Times of Edmund Rice: Founding of the Brothers and of Iona University
12:30 p.m., Murphy Center Auditorium
Dr. Br. Dennis Gunn, CFC, will speak on the founding of Iona, the Brothers and provide perspectives from travels with Iona students in Ireland.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Core Curriculum Committee
Volunteer Fair & Service Fair
12:30-2 p.m. Murphy Green
Join the Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development and the Office of Mission & ministry to find out about opportunities to work for and intern or serve with various non-profits and faith-based organizations.
Sponsored by Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development
Bowls & Holes
7-10 p.m., Montgomery House
Join CM’s Cara and Will for free ice cream, a screening of the movie Holes, and a discussion on children’s rights.
Thursday, September 28
Hospitality Supper Hosted by Women’s Basketball Team
5:30-6:30 p.m., Murphy Green
Join members of the Women’s Basketball Team for a Hospitality Supper on the Murphy Green. Grab a free dinner, test your basketball trivia knowledge and shoot some hoops!
Sponsored by Iona University Athletics
Midnight Run
7:30-Midnight, Montgomery House
Join CM’s Shakinah and Emily on a Midnight Run. On the run, we will provide food, clothing and companionship to those experiencing homelessness in New York City. The trip runs from 7:30 PM- 12:00 AM. Volunteers should meet at the Montgomery House.
Friday, September 29
Don Bosco Meal Program Service Project
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join CM Marie to serve meals at Don Bosco Meal Program in Port Chester.
Here for You Clothing Pop Up Shop
Noon-2 p.m., Spellman Portico
Shop for a cause! Stop by Here For You Clothing’s Pop-Up Shop to grab some new gear and learn more about their efforts to financially support and raise awareness of mental health.
Saturday, September 30
Fuller Center Build Day
8:30 a.m.–Noon, Montgomery House
Join CM Ryan on a project with Fuller Center! Demolition, building, painting, anything to help people move into affordable housing around the Westchester area! Bring water and wear clothes that you can get dirty.
Invasive Plant Management with Westchester Parks
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Montgomery House
Join CM Alina with Westchester Parks Foundation! Volunteers will travel to Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers, where you will be eradicating invasive plant species that have overtaken areas of the park. Make sure to bring sunscreen, water, and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Installation
9 a.m., Hynes West
Volunteers will partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build and deliver beds to families in need.
Ongoing Events
Midnight Run Supply Drive
The Office of Mission & Ministry is collecting the following items to be distributed on our Midnight Runs:
- Travel Sized Toiletries (shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)
- New Socks & Underwear
- Gently used coats, sweatshirts, pants, hats and gloves
- Gently used footwear
Items can be dropped off in boxes in the main lobby of the LaPenta Student Union outside of the End Zone.