Indianapolis, Indiana – For the 14th consecutive year, the Al Huda Islamic Center in Fishers has made a meaningful impact on the lives of Ivy Tech Indianapolis students by donating 30 full Thanksgiving baskets to IvyCares. The gesture, which has become an annual tradition, ensures that students facing financial challenges can enjoy a holiday meal with their families.
Each basket was thoughtfully packed with canned goods, baked items, and a turkey gift card, reflecting an increase in support compared to previous years. This generosity was paired with 30 additional turkeys secured by IvyCares through Gleaners Food Bank, giving students everything they needed to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal.
The baskets were delivered to the campus on Friday, November 21, allowing IvyCares staff to store them over the weekend and distribute them to students on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25, just in time for the holiday. The timing ensured that recipients had ample opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving without the stress of shopping or preparing a meal on a limited budget.
IvyCares, the student support program at Ivy Tech Community College, expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing support. “IvyCares extends its deepest gratitude to the Alhuda Islamic Center for its long-standing commitment to helping Ivy Tech students thrive—and is already looking forward to continuing this impactful tradition next year,” officials said. The partnership between IvyCares and Al Huda demonstrates how community organizations can play a vital role in supporting students’ well-being and academic success.
The Al Huda Islamic Center’s efforts are part of a broader commitment to serving local communities. For more than a decade, the center has actively engaged in charitable initiatives that provide both immediate relief and long-term encouragement to those in need. By continuing this annual Thanksgiving tradition, the center not only provides meals but also fosters a sense of community and belonging for students navigating the challenges of higher education.
Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution, serves thousands of students each year both on-campus and online. As the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, Ivy Tech offers associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and workforce training aligned with the needs of the state’s communities. The College also facilitates seamless transfers to other colleges and universities, providing an affordable route toward a bachelor’s degree.
For students, support programs like IvyCares make a tangible difference. Beyond academic resources, these initiatives help address food insecurity, financial hardship, and other barriers that can impact student success. Contributions from local organizations, such as the Al Huda Islamic Center, ensure that students can focus on their education while feeling the support of their broader community.
By maintaining this tradition for 14 years, the Al Huda Islamic Center has not only provided essential meals but also reinforced the importance of generosity, compassion, and community engagement. For many Ivy Tech students, receiving a Thanksgiving basket represents more than a meal—it is a reminder that their efforts are supported and valued by the wider Indianapolis community.
This partnership highlights the potential for long-standing collaborations between educational institutions and local organizations to create meaningful, lasting impact. As students enjoyed their holiday meals this year, both IvyCares and Al Huda looked ahead to continuing the tradition in the years to come, ensuring that future Ivy Tech students can also celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and support.
