WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A recent weeklong initiative by Pennsylvania College of Technology students and employees turned retired cafeteria trays into platforms for the most successful campaign yet to benefit the on-campus food pantry.
The Cupboard, opened in September 2016 adjacent to the CC Commons dining unit, has seen a 30-percent increase in usage by students this fall. To help meet that demand, Dining Services and Institutional Advancement innovatively teamed to battle hunger across campus.
“This year, with the increased need for The Cupboard, it has been truly amazing to see students and the campus community come together to support such a meaningful initiative,” said Ryan Monteleone, of Stevens, an information assistance and cyber security major and the college’s lead student development assistant.
“The student participation in this project was inspiring, and we’re grateful for their initiative and compassion to support fellow students,” added Loni N. Kline, vice president for institutional advancement.
From Sept. 25-29, donors could contribute monetarily through the purchase of a Vintage Wildcat Tray; some employees used those trays as office collection points for non-perishable items that were picked up by the development assistants at week’s end. More than 750 items and $520 were donated by the 25-plus offices that participated.
“What started as an initiative to re-purpose outdated dining-unit trays resulted in the entire campus coming together to support The Cupboard through generous food and monetary donations,” said Crissy L. McGinness, director of dining services. “We cannot thank our campus community enough for their support of the services we are providing to our students.”
The Cupboard was able to help 400 students in its first year of operation, and, through such collaborative food drives, can continue to meet requests for assistance.
“The support from the campus has been incredible, and I am so appreciative of the efforts that went into this collection,” said Dining Services Manager Vicki K. Killian, who supervises pantry operations. A family of six contacted her shortly afterward to request food from the pantry, she said, and “I was grateful that we were so well-stocked that we could help them.”
To donate to The Cupboard, visit www.pct.edu/give/donate/cupboard or mail your gift to Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation Inc. – DIF 65, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701-5799. Donations of food can be made by contacting The Cupboard at thecupboard@pct.edu or by calling 570-327-4767.
For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.