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Thanksgiving was created over a unity of cultures, sampling of new foods and new friends — just like 91����’s fifth annual Raidersgiving.

This year, more than 500 people are expected to attend Raidersgiving, which takes place Thursday, Nov. 24, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Nutter Center’s McLin Gym. All of the 91���� community is invited to attend.

The first Raidersgiving started with 12 attendees in 2012.

The free Thanksgiving meal will consist of turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans along with options of halal chicken and Indian food.

“I like to walk into the McLin Gym around 11 a.m., when it is all set up, empty and quiet, and then come back around 1 p.m.,” said Craig This, director of the Office of Institutional Research. “It is full, loud and noisy, and I can see people eating, talking, laughing and having a good time. … Then, I know we have done our job.”

There will also be games and door prizes. Volunteers are also needed.

“I really enjoyed last year because one RA asked if we could bring enough food for her mom and dad, who had joined her so she wouldn’t be so lonely. We said yes,” This said. “She quickly added, ‘Can you bring a slice of pie? My dad says it isn’t Thanksgiving without pie.’ We took her three pieces of pie. I guess that’s what I look forward to — making the holiday for students.”

Raidersgiving is supported by donations from the 91���� community. Ten dollars is the estimated price of a meal per student and includes transportation to pick up students.

You can donate to Raidersgiving at wright.edu/give/raidersgiving.

The overall fundraising goal is at least $5,000. Any exceeding amount will be saved for next year’s event.

Sommer Todd, strategic financial analyst in the Office of the Provost, and Jamie Norris, director of auxiliary services, were among those who started Raidersgiving with This.

“Sommer Todd coined the phrase, ‘No Raider Eats Alone’ for Raidersgiving, and that is our hope,” said This. “If they have no place to go for Thanksgiving — and we don’t ask why — just please show up at the Nutter Center, and we will welcome you and feed you.”