Give Thanks Bingo: How Saint Leo University celebrates gratitude with students

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By Alina Rezepova, Staff Writer

Give Thanks Bingo was a great way to remind students that having gratitude in your heart is what Thanksgiving is truly about. On Nov. 18, Saint Leo University students gathered in the Student Community Center (SCC) boardrooms to play bingo and have a chance to win unique prizes.

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) organizes bingo every month to support students and help them relieve academic stress. This event also aims to make students feel supported by the university and to foster camaraderie with other campus members.

This November, bingo is more than just a chance to win an iPad, speaker, and other cool prizes. This bingo has allowed students to celebrate gratitude, meet new people, and show kindness to others. The main idea of this event was to inspire students to express gratitude in their daily lives, not just on holidays.

Students collected an impressive amount of food items. Even a small donation for an extra card becomes meaningful support for those in need. (Photo was taken by Alina Rezepova)

From a speaker to an iPad. CAB’s generous prize display shows that Saint Leo’s support for students extends well beyond academics. (Photo was taken by Alina Rezepova)

A completed bingo card held up during the game captures a moment filled with hope and excitement. (Photo was taken by Alina Rezepova)

“The main goal of Give Thanks Bingo is to help students realize that Thanksgiving is not just a holiday. It is an opportunity to feel grateful and strengthen the community. Events like bingo are an opportunity for Saint Leo University to ‘give back’ to its students, not only through donations, but also through building a strong university family,” said Hayli Angarano, a sophomore majoring in A.A. Liberal Arts and Director of Seasonal Events.

Bingo is one of the students’ favorite events, where they can make friends, have fun, and win a prize, as well as take a break from their studies.

“I always try to come to Bingo if I have time. I love spending time with my friends and being part of the campus community,” said Alyssa Lankenau, a sophomore majoring in Cybersecurity.

Bingo brings students together, offering them an active and fun time on campus. Instead of staying in their dorms, they come to participate, enjoying the game and the chance to win valuable prizes that Saint Leo University provides to students as a way to give back.

“Bingo makes me happy because it allows me to do something other than sit in a room. I get to meet new people,” said Alexis Reyes, a sophomore majoring in Business Management and International Studies.

When several players call Bingo at the same time, the winner is chosen through a game of rock, paper, and scissors. The final round becomes a fun and spirited moment. (Photo was taken by Alina Rezepova)

One of the winners of a Give Thanks Bingo proudly holds her prize. The event reminds everyone that each student is part of the larger Saint Leo family. (Photo was taken by Alina Rezepova)

This November, bingo was special because it reminded students that gratitude is a part of everyday life. It is shown through small acts of kindness, helping others, giving back to the community, and supporting your friends.

“Being grateful at the university means having opportunities that I might not have had if I had not come here,” said Reyes.

This time, CAB offered an additional bingo card for donating food, showing students that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference and inspire others to care for the community.

The main goal of CAB in organizing the November Bingo was to remind students not only to receive, but also to give. Some students donated non-perishable food items for those in need, showing others that performing acts of kindness and practicing gratitude is easier than it seems.

Give Thanks Bingo is more than a game; it celebrates gratitude, strengthens connections, and fosters a supportive campus community. Events like this show that Saint Leo values their students and aims to create a friendly, caring, and joyful environment.

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