Rivier College honored by Nashua Soup Kitchen for support

NASHUA – Rivier College was honored by a local service agency for its efforts to help those in need. The college recently received the Outstanding Community Leader Award given by the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter in recognition of Rivier’s support of the organization. “It is a great honor to be recognized by the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter,” said Mary Jane Silvia, director of Campus Ministry. “We have partnered with them for a long time in an effort to care for our sisters and brothers in need. “They do wonderful work in the Nashua community, and it is a privilege to be a part of that, especially as we continue to live our mission to ‘transform hearts and minds to serve the world.’ ” Throughout the year, many Rivier students volunteer to serve and prepare meals at the soup kitchen. The college also offers students the opportunity to complete service learning experiences at the soup kitchen to complement their classroom education. The college donates food to the agency as part of its annual Thanksgiving food drive, and several classes visit every year to tour the kitchen and shelter. Every December, children and staff members of Rivier’s Early Childhood Center make blankets for the children staying at the shelter. This year, for the first time, Rivier College hosted the soup kitchen’s annual Run for Food and Shelter fundraiser.