The month of November is a time of gratitude, reflection, and humility. While there are many Americans who are making plans to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with their loved ones over a hearty and warm meal, there are those who unfortunately do not have the necessary essentials to prepare a homecooked Thanksgiving meal for themselves and their loved ones. That is why the AUHS Foundation hosted and held the Acts of Love: Giving Thanks event on November 21, 2020. American University of Health Sciences provided and distributed out free groceries and turkeys to families in need. “Times are hard and supporting my family has been a real challenge. But I highly thank God, this university, and their foundation for giving a chance to those who are currently struggling to get through this pandemic,” stated an attendee who requested to be unnamed. The event, which lasted from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, also offered a flu clinic where free vaccinations were administered. Among those who administered the flu vaccinations were Dr. Joseph Kunchandy, AUHS Assistant Professor of Clinical & Administrative Sciences, and AUHS School of Pharmacy Year 2 students with Dr. Kunchandy monitoring their practice. In addition, Dr. Saral Amarnani, the Dean of the AUHS School of Clinical Research, assisted with intake paperwork for the flu clinic and a few students from the AUHS School of Nursing assisted attendees and provided translation services in Spanish and Khmer. Attendees arrived as early as 6:00 AM and the line to receive free groceries and turkeys reached all the way down Walnut Avenue. Social distancing guidelines were implemented, temperature checks were conducted, and all attendees were required to wear face masks to ensure their safety and others around them. The AUHS Foundation is proud to be serving and giving back to the community every year but is even more proud that the foundation is carrying out these good deeds in the name of God.
