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Students utilizing campus pantry

October 26, 2017

The Student Resource Room continues to serve the student population and the need is as great as it ever was.

"I think we have a lot of students who are really responsible for themselves," said Kelly Ryan, assistant director for the Center for Leadership and Involvement.

Ryan said the costs of going to school are great and that includes food and toiletries.

The Student Resource Center offers free food and toiletries to students in need and is managed by the Advisory Board for Leadership and Engagement or ABLE as they are commonly known.

The Gemmell Information Desk Staff gives students access to the resource room anytime they are open. Any member of the Clarion University community who needs assistance can come to the Info Desk during the following hours:

  • 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday
  • 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday
  • Noon – 8 p.m. Saturday
  • Noon – 10 p.m. Sunday

According to ABLE President Kylee Culver, one type of product goes quicker than all of the others.

"I think students still need personal hygiene products because most people do not think of those sort of things. Students who may need help are going to get food before other items such as these," Culver said.

Last year, the Student Resource Center moved from an employee's office in Becht Hall to its new location inside Gemmell Student Complex.

Culver said ABLE is satisfied with that decision.

"Moving to Gemmell was a great change because it gives students who need access to the room a chance to do so anonymously," Culver said. "Before, the student would have to go and sign in and feel like they were being watched. Now they just simply ask for the key at the info desk and they are let into the room."

The room is stocked by donations mostly from faculty and staff. ABLE also invests in the room by providing a $200 start-up at the beginning of the year, Ryan said.

"The faculty and staff response is good," Ryan said.

Ryan gave a special shout-out to Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Pam Gent and the provost's office for being so generous to the center.

"She (Gent) cares very deeply about the success of our students," Ryan said. "She really gets the heart of the issue."

One reminder Ryan has for people planning to make a donation is to incorporate some variety. "How would you feel eating green beans four times a day?" she asked.

Culver also has some suggestions.

"If anyone is looking to make a donation, think about what a student could make for a healthy and full dinner," Culver said. "Ready to go meals, pasta and sauces, and other meal items like that are going to keep the students full and healthy rather than a package of Ramen noodles. Also, don't forget to think about the items that you use on a daily basis that they might be in need of such as toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper."

Donors can drop items off in the ABLE office in Gemmell or at the Gemmell info desk.

All non-perishable food items are welcome and the most commonly needed items are listed below.
The items in bold are in high demand:

  • Cereal/breakfast items
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Canned meats
  • Pasta/sauces
  • Non-perishable packaged meals
  • Plain and flavored rices
  • Individual canned/cupped fruits
  • Individual macaroni & cheese
  • Snack crackers
  • Healthy snacks
  • Spices/seasonings
  • Soups
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Paper plates
  • Plastic utensils
  • Napkins
  • Full sized shampoo/conditioner
  • Shaving cream
  • Feminine products
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste

The Student Resource Center also accepts items for students, who are parents. The following are regularly needed items for students in this group:

  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers
  • Lotions
  • Shampoos (baby and kids)
  • Bibs
  • Baby and toddler silverware
  • Child plate/bowl sets
  • Gently used or new books

 

Last Updated 1/11/21