More than 300 students are enjoying a holiday dinner this week compliments of several UWindsor offices.

Spearheaded by Sandra Riccio-Muglia, director of programming for the Student Centre, the Holiday Celebration Dinner provided a meal prepared by the Meal Prep Company for pick-up from the Green Bean Café, Dec. 21 to 23.

In addition to their choice of dinner sponsored by the Office of the President, halal chicken or vegan pastry, the students are also receiving a holiday cookie courtesy of the International Student Centre, and a cup of hot chocolate from the Office of Student Experience.

“Students have been on the minds of many staff as we are normally packed with celebrations of free food events on campus this time of year to help them through exam season and the holidays,” said Riccio-Muglia. “The interest in this program has been heartfelt and overwhelming. I am very grateful to our campus partners for all their generosity to be able to make this happen without limitations. Whoever needed a meal received a meal.”

Besides orders from 325 students in just four days, she says she received unsolicited offers to donate from UWindsor employees.

“They really felt the need to do something this holiday,” Riccio-Muglia says. “Many of us are feeling that social disconnect from students and want let them know we truly do care about them.”

She invites students to follow her programming on Facebook and share photos of their holiday meals on the University’s social media channels.