Donation Drives
Center for Community Engagement and Service
Donation drives offer a unique opportunity for students to volunteer, help build community and reflect on their service experiences. The Center for Community Engagement and Service invites students to live the mission of Salve Regina throughout the year by donating to these drives whenever possible.
Shoe Drive
Held in the spring, the drive collects new and gently used shoes for impoverished children and youth. Donations benefit GiftsToGive, a local nonprofit that works with dozens of child welfare and community organizations to provide customized care packages to homeless and at-risk children.
Yard Sale
Held in May, the end-of-year yard sale funds scholarships for students participating in the center’s service immersions. Donations usually include nonperishable food, hygiene products and toiletries, kitchen items, clothing, small appliances, lamps, shelves, fans, rugs, furniture and televisions.
Food Drive
Held in November, the Thanksgiving food drive collects nonperishable donations for Child & Family, Newport Community School, Lucy's Hearth, Florence Gray Center, Housing Hotline, Saint Vincent's and the Salvation Army. All offices, departments, student organizations, sports teams, residence halls, classes and organizations, along with any students who want to form a team on their own, are invited to participate. Donations for the 2024 drive are due to the Mercy Commons before noon on Thursday, November 21.
Angel Tree
Held during the holiday season, the Angel Tree drive benefits individuals in the community, shelter animals and after-school programs. Donors choose a tag from the trees located throughout campus and purchase holiday gifts from the wish list on the tag. Members of the University community may also make monetary donations for elves to do the shopping. The program supports local organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, Child & Family, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Newport County YMCA, Newport Public Schools, Potter League for Animals, Salvation Army and Tashirat Orphanage in Mexico.
Better World Books
The Better World Books textbook drive has diverted millions of books from landfills and raised millions of dollars for literacy and libraries. Salve Regina has participated in the program since 2011, encouraging students to donate their unused textbooks at the conclusion of each semester. To date, the University has donated more than 105 boxes of textbooks.