CHARITABLE GIVING A BIG SUCCESS IN '07

As we enter the New Year, DPS reflects on its charitable work that benefited many in the community. On Tuesday, March 27th, members of DPS joined 560 community members at the 14th annual Vera House Foundation White Ribbon Breakfast, in support of its White Ribbon Campaign, which raises awareness of domestic and sexual violence. All proceeds from the campaign were dedicated to Alternatives, an education and accountability program for men who have been abusive to their female partners or ex-partners.

During the summer, DPS officers and administrators raised $450 for the Central New York Food Bank through the Beards for Food Program, in which DPS male donors were allowed to grow out their beards during summer break and DPS female donors were allowed to wear jeans or a “Beards for Food” pin. According to Thomas Slater, executive director of the Food Bank of Central New York, (seen above with DPS members) every dollar donated purchases ten dollars worth of food. “We’re proud to partner with Syracuse University, and it is those types of partnerships that enable us to be successful,” Slater said. The CNY Food Bank provides more than 20,000 meals a day and 7.5 million meals a year to the Central New York community.

During the winter holiday season, DPS members raised and donated more than $500 in cash and gifts for the University’s Holiday Sharing Program, which paired SU schools, colleges, and departments with local families in need.

DPS also participated in a school supplies drive, in which supplies were distributed to elementary school students in Syracuse city schools who might not otherwise have adequate, or any, school supplies.

DPS also sponsored the inaugural Desi Dance Project, a dance competition hosted by the SU South Asian Students’ Association, who promote education regarding domestic violence and raise awareness about the discrimination faced by women in South Asia who are HIV positive.

Tony Callisto, Director and Chief of SU Public Safety said "the members of the Department of Public Safety protect and serve their community as campus law enforcement officials every day. Their commitment does not end with the performance of duties; members' continuous concern for the community is clearly demonstrated through their willingness to donate to those in need."