What started as a friendly competition to see which group could donate the most items for a Galen College of Nursing holiday drive, turned into an incredible show of support for the community.

Between students, faculty, and staff at Galen’s Cincinnati campus, nearly 500 items were donated for those in need. The donations filled the campus food pantry, which includes non-perishable items like canned goods and boxed, instant meals, as well as personal care items and items for babies, such as diapers and wipes.

The drive was organized by the Cincinnati campus Social Club and its president, Galen Cincinnati Senior IT Support Specialist Emaly Furjes.

“For me, service is rooted in the way I grew up,” Furjes said. “I’m from a very small village in Northeast Ohio. There were fewer than a thousand people when I lived there. But, what we lacked in size we made up for in community. My hometown (Minerva, Ohio) is known for being incredibly community-forward, and “Minerva Strong” was more than just a motto; it was a way of life. People showed up for one another, no questions asked.

“Many of my childhood friends came from families who didn’t have much, and I learned early on how powerful it could be to make someone feel seen or supported when their world felt heavy. My parents, both teachers, reinforced that every day. My mom was a Special Education teacher who worked closely with students and families at the poverty line, and my dad coached basketball and baseball with a huge heart. He always gives his time and encouragement to help his kids break generational cycles and believe in themselves.”

Additionally, one student, Tanika Roberson, who is pursuing her associate degree in nursing, took it upon herself to help those in need ahead of the holidays.

Roberson told members of Hamilton Church – Place of Grace, and it was passed along to Holy Family Church as well, about the supplies drive. Within a few days, Roberson was able to collect 89 winter coats, hats, and gloves. These items were then donated to the A Morton Food Pantry in Cincinnati’s Northside neighborhood, as Galen Cincinnati Campus Engagement Specialist Dr. Kelly Vassell had a connection with Community Resource Director Stephanie McNear.

“The coats that you provided the pantry with will bless so many because of these hard economic times, and this will help these people who don’t have enough money to get coats to their children and to grownups as well,” McNear said. “A lot of people come to the food pantry to get all types of items, and by providing coats, this will be a blessing to those families.”

The coats and winter items will be provided to those in need in the community at the A Morton Food Pantry’s distribution events in November and December.

Additionally, the Love in Action Food Pantry in Mt. Healthy supplied Thanksgiving boxes with non-perishable items to Galen students, along with a $20 Kroger gift card in each box.