Stuff the Pantry returns for fourth year

Central’s fourth annual Stuff the Pantry drive is underway all across campus. Launched Nov. 2 by the Office of the President, the monthlong campus-wide collection invites the Central community to help stock Maria’s Place, the university’s food pantry, with toiletries and laundry care products.

The drive will run through the end of November. Collection boxes are available at 15 locations across campus: the Central Police Station, Maloney Hall, Bassett Hall, Davidson Hall, Mid-Campus Residence Hall, Barnard Hall, Willard-DiLoreto Hall, Welcome Center, Copernicus Hall, East Hall, Student Center, Burritt Library, Vance Academic Center, Memorial Hall, and the Applied Innovation Hub. 

Located in a discreet space on the lower level of the Robert Vance Academic Center, Maria’s Place provides Central students with access to food and everyday essentials while protecting their privacy. Students do not need to provide their names to use the pantry. After signing up, each student receives a reusable shopping bag that can be filled once a week.             

“Initiatives like Stuff the Pantry reflect what it means to be a campus community: looking out for one another, recognizing where help is needed, and taking meaningful steps to make sure every student has access to the essentials,” says interim President Kimberly T. Kostelis. “I’m grateful to everyone who contributes to this effort and helps make Central a place where students know they have support. It’s part of the university mission to build communities along the way.”