NYUAD staff and students united to participate in the Box Appeal initiative being offered by the Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels in the Middle East region. Held in conjunction with Red Crescent, the "Small Box. Big Difference" campaign, which began on August 15 and ends today, provides laborers across the UAE with everyday necessities.

Fifty-five boxes containing such items as shaving cream, toothpaste, a cap, and a t-shirt were purchased and assembled by NYUAD students and staff from departments across the University, then delivered to the Radisson Blu. The NYUAD Finance, Budget, Procurement, and Program Services Office spent time assembling 24 boxes as part of a team effort. Each of the NYUAD Resident Assistants also embraced the initiative by holding floor events in the residential setting, encouraging NYUAD students to contribute an item.

NYUAD Finance staff member Sarah Haridi said, "The Box Appeal was a great opportunity for us to get together as a team, take some time off, and give back to the community." She went on to quote Edmund Burke: "Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."

Many felt that their participation in the Box Appeal was a good way to honor the Ramadan and Eid holidays, and pay tribute to a population whose hard work is not always recognized. As Haridi said, "We should always look for ways to help and never underestimate a good deed…be it a smile, or a box filled with goodies for those who work hard to build our community."