Sending Love, and Heartfelt Thanks, to Our CCS Donors

During this season of gratitude and love, we can't express how much we are in awe of your support and dedication to our shared goal of giving back to our neighbors through Columbia Community Service (CCS).

Contributions from employees and retirees throughout the 77th Annual Appeal have helped to ensure critical growth and support for local programs in our surrounding community. CCS supports the work of 50+ nonprofits serving Harlem and Morningside Heights, which help to fight hunger, increase educational opportunities for youth, and provide social services, among other critical efforts.

Your contributions have amounted to more than $275,000 so far, which will be used to serve these programs directly in the coming year. We also offer our deepest thanks to the 67 donors who joined the effort for the first time this year. You make us proud to be part of the Columbia community.

There is certainly more work to do (and CCS accepts donations via payroll and credit card throughout the year), but in honor of Valentine's Day, we want to shine the light on some of our newest donors and what made them want to give back through CCS.

"I am happy to participate in a program that offers so much to others.  And, I’m very impressed with the fact that 100 percent of the donations are provided directly to the program’s community partners and neighbors in need."

— Anthony Cirillo, AVP, Data Center & Operations Support - Columbia University Information Technology

"It was my first paycheck in the United States, and that day, I had a chat with my father, and he said I should give some part of my paycheck to the noble cause. He said you will always remember this act of yours for life. Earning is important, and at the same time, giving hands to those who are in need is also important. My father truly inspired me, and I made this donation." 

— Abhi Shah, graduate student and Senior Operations Assistant at Columbia Housing

"I chose to donate because, to me, one of the most important things we can do is give back to our own communities. There are many folks out there that do not receive equitable opportunities and I want to help lessen that gap."

— Kel Snow, Program Coordinator for Identity and Inclusion Student Experience & Engagement at Barnard College

"As a relatively new member of the Columbia community, it was very important to me to give to CCS and support the more than 50 uptown organizations that serve our neighbors in need. I’m proud to join the 67 faculty, staff, and retirees who are donating for the first time, and I offer my profound thanks to all who have continued to support CCS over the years."

— Minouche Shafik, President, Columbia University

Thank you to every single one of our donors for helping to spread the love by showing up for the local community, and to our amazing partners who work every day to create a more equitable future. 

We are still actively working to support our grantees, fill volunteer opportunities, train local nonprofit leaders, and collect clothes and other goods for our community throughout the year. You can still support us in these goals and show love this season by making a donation through payroll deduction or credit card. Any amount will make a difference.

With Love and Gratitude, 

Columbia Community Service