CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A good meal or basic toiletries are things that many people take for granted.
At Cincinnati State volunteers saw some students who didn't have those luxuries. Within a short time, volunteers stacked shelves in the main building of campus.
There are cans of food, “Then over here we have toiletries, everything from shampoo, to hand sanitizer, tooth paste and tooth brushes,” said student volunteer Hunter Campbell.
Campbell moved from Washington to go to school at Cincinnati State. It was his first semester and he had no problem jumping in to help with the "surge cupboard."
“We do a lot of things. Most volunteers collect donations, sort donations, check things for expiration dates, make sure everything is quality,” he said.
The non-profit food pantry will be open to students Wednesdays and Thursdays and it's free. Once a month, students can take three day’s worth of food and toiletries. The idea is to make sure they get what they need and can continue with their studies. Food insecurity is a barrier to a lot of things, but majorly it's a barrier to education. So sometimes students who can't get access to food can find that gets in the way of them seeking higher education or just in the way of their studies doing things like homework.
Dr. Monica Posey, Cincinnati State president, said, “It also shows that we're in complete alignment with the community. The poverty initiative is something that is of great concern throughout the Cincinnati area and so now we're doing something on campus and we want to branch out and help our community.”
The pantry is a way for students and staff to support each other and to make sure that these students are successful with their education.
The pantry opens for the first time Wednesday, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP WITH DONATIONS:
Donations of non-perishable foods and toiletries are greatly appreciated. People can also donate money for purchasing food and toiletry items. There are donation bins on campus.
For more information contact:
Laurie Malone, Food Pantry Club Adviser
513-569-1427
Cindy Sefton, Food Pantry Club Advisor
[email protected] 513-569-1699
source
