Princeton Women's Track and Field, Transformation Church, Calvary Pentecostal Church, and Smith Family Sanctuary Host “Thanksgiving on the Block” for Trenton Families: A Celebration of Community

December 12, 2024 | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This Thanksgiving, Princeton Women's Track and Field, Transformation Church, Calvary Pentecostal Church, and the Smith Sanctuary came together to host a special event called "Thanksgiving on the Block" in the city of Trenton. The event aimed to support Trenton families in preparing holiday meals by providing free groceries and essential items in a grocery-store-like setting. Through this collaborative effort, 165 families in Trenton gathered fresh produce, meats, canned goods, grains, and even hygiene products—ensuring they had everything needed to celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and joy.

"Thanksgiving on the Block" sparked a curious discussion on community values as participants and volunteers alike reflected on the importance of service, unity, and shared responsibility. This wasn't just a food distribution event; it was an opportunity to connect, learn, and engage in a deeper understanding of how diverse communities can come together to support one another. Volunteers from Princeton Women’s Track and Field and two local churches assisted families by setting up tables and stations stocked with donated food, creating an organized and respectful space where attendees could choose the items they needed for the holiday season. From vegetables and dairy products to baby formula and toiletries, the event aimed to meet the diverse needs of the Trenton community, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to prepare a Thanksgiving meal, regardless of their economic situation.

For the Princeton Women's Track and Field team, "Thanksgiving on the Block" was an opportunity to put their commitment to community engagement into action beyond the athletic field. The team believes that athletics, much like community service, is about uniting people from all walks of life to work toward a common goal, embracing their differences, and lifting each other up.

Coach Michelle Eisenreich, Head Coach of Princeton Women’s Track and Field, shared her thoughts on how community engagement drives their approach to service:
"Our program takes to heart our department's motto “Achieve - Serve - Lead and our University’s motto “In Service of Nation and In Service of Humanity. We are committed to helping our students learn how to become community leaders. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Transformation Church, Calvary Pentecostal Church, and the Smith Sanctuary to not only lend aid to the Trenton Community but also to learn from a group of tremendous community leaders."

The Women's Track and Field team's participation in "Thanksgiving on the Block" is part of their broader commitment to integrating community engagement principles into their lives, from their athletic endeavors to their community outreach. By engaging in meaningful service projects, they not only give back to Trenton but also build relationships that enrich their understanding of the diverse communities they serve.

The success of "Thanksgiving on the Block" went beyond simply alleviating food insecurity, it also created a space for connection and collaboration. Volunteers, including Princeton student-athletes, were able to engage with local residents and foster a sense of belonging that extended beyond the event itself.

Though it was a one-day effort, the impact of the event will continue to resonate throughout the Trenton community. The relationships built between Princeton athletes and Trenton families, as well as the ongoing partnerships between local churches, continue to strengthen the bonds that hold the community together.