VENUE CHANGE!! Our social this evening is moving to Tavern on the Commons 130 E Seneca Street. Unfortunately, the Canopy Hotel is having issues that closed their kitchen and bar today. Spread the word!
Join the Ithaca Rotary Club for our FriendsGiving Celebration on November 19 from 5–7 PM at the Canopy Hotel! We’ll gather in friendship and gratitude while collecting high-quality food, household items, and gift cards for local families in need. Donations will be packed into baskets and delivered next week.
As the season of gratitude arrives, the Rotary Club of Ithaca invites members, friends, and community supporters to come together for one of our most heart-warming gatherings of the year: our annual FriendsGiving Celebration. This special event isn’t just about sharing good food and warm company, it’s a moment to honor the spirit of service that defines Rotary and to directly support local families who could use an extra lift this holiday season.
On Tuesday, November 19 from 5–7 PM at the Canopy Hotel, we’ll gather in friendship and fellowship to celebrate our club’s impact—and to strengthen it.
A Celebration Rooted in Service
FriendsGiving is an opportunity to reflect on the meaningful work Rotarians accomplish together throughout the year, but it’s also an active expression of service in itself. As we enjoy camaraderie and connection, we are also filling baskets that will soon be delivered to local families in need. These baskets offer more than just food, they offer comfort, joy, and the knowledge that their community cares.
Thanks to your generosity, these baskets will be delivered by the end of next week, giving families support and delight just in time for the holiday season. This effort is one more example of how Ithaca Rotarians embody our club’s values: service above self, community-focused giving, and compassion for our neighbors.
What to Bring: High-Quality, Joy-Giving Items for Families
As you prepare to join us (or support the effort from afar) consider donating items that feel special, nourishing, and uplifting. We encourage high-quality foods, non-perishables, diabetic-friendly options, and small items that add a sense of comfort or fun to the season.
Here are some thoughtful donation ideas:
- Sweet Treats & Pantry Favorites
- Bakery items from Wegmans, Pepperidge Farm cookies, or Nutella
- Family-size peanut butter and jelly with good-quality bread
- Pasta with marinara, alfredo, or parmesan-style sauces
- Brownie or cookie mixes, or ingredients for pumpkin pie
- Cornbread mix, Bisquick, hearty breakfast cereals
- Comfort Foods & Easy Meals
- Quality canned soups, jarred gravy, stuffing mix
- Trail mix, protein bars, sugar-free treats
- Pop-Tarts, single-serve mac & cheese, ramen cups
- Household Comforts
- Gloves, warm socks, new hand towels
- Tablecloths or seasonal candles
- Small gifts such as puzzles or books
- Gift Cards (always appreciated!): Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Tops, Wegmans, Target
These thoughtful contributions go directly to families in our community, helping them enjoy a brighter holiday season and easing some of the stress that often accompanies it.
Can’t Attend FriendsGiving? You Can Still Make a Difference
While we hope to see you at the Canopy Hotel on November 19, we understand that schedules can be tight, especially this time of year. If you can’t join us in person, there are still meaningful ways to participate in this club-wide effort.
Bring Items to the November 12 Rotary Lunch Meeting
If you're attending the November 12 meeting, feel free to bring:
- Food or household donations
- Cash contributions
- A check made out to the Rotary Club of Ithaca
- These contributions will be added to the FriendsGiving baskets and distributed next week.
Send a Check by Mail
If you’re unable to attend either gathering, you can still help support the families receiving our holiday baskets. Simply mail a check (please, no cash) to:
Rotary Club of Ithaca
P.O. Box 306
Ithaca, NY 14851
P.O. Box 306
Ithaca, NY 14851
Your generosity will go directly toward purchasing high-quality foods and needed items that round out the baskets.
A Season Made Brighter Through Rotary
The FriendsGiving Celebration is more than an event, it's an expression of who we are as Rotarians. Every donation, every moment spent together, and every act of kindness strengthens our connection to one another and to the community we serve.
During a time of year when many families face uncertainty, rising costs, and holiday pressures, the Ithaca Rotary Club extends warmth and support in the most practical and heartfelt ways. Our collective effort makes a real, tangible difference for families right here in Tompkins County.
Thank you for showing up, for giving generously, and for living the Rotary values of service, fellowship, and compassion. With your help, we make this season brighter for others, and we strengthen the bonds that make our club such a powerful force for good.
We look forward to celebrating FriendsGiving with you on November 19. Together, we’ll share gratitude, build joy, and continue our tradition of helping neighbors feel cared for during the holiday season.