BRISTOL, R.I. - Roger Williams University hosted its annual Turkey Basket Drive and Contest on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.  Approximately 60 complete Thanksgiving meals were donated by student groups, faculty and staff members, including 25 baskets from all 22 varsity teams and the RWU Athletic Training staff. 

The meals are donated to the Bristol Good Neighbors Soup Kitchen and Pantry, who distribute them to families identified through the Bristol/Warren Regional School District.  The annual event is sponsored by the Student Volunteer Association and Feinstein Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement.

Although the athletics teams did not win any of the university contests, the Women's Lacrosse team garnered top honors for their basket among all athletics teams – contributing a nicely decorated wicker basket that was packed with Thanksgiving goods.  The Sports Medicine staff and Sailing team tied for second place among the Athletics' teams. The Sports Medicine staff submitted a basket that was decorated to look like a Turkey, while the Sailing team's basket was a replica of a sailboat. Men's Lacrosse received kudos for the quantity of their basket while the Women's Basketball team's basket included plenty of Thanksgiving treats, plus candles, coloring books, and games to create a full holiday experience.  Men and Women's Swimming & Diving went above and beyond the call of duty, contributing four baskets—one for each class.  

Roger Williams University athletics has donated over 200 Thanksgiving meals since 2002.  Special thanks to all the varsity teams for your contribution and support of the annual Turkey Basket Drive.