University of Memphis orientation guides held a holiday toiletry drive for the Tiger Pantry at the UC Atrium on Monday afternoon. The event allowed students and faculty to donate toiletries, such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste and mouthwash for students in need of supplies, free of charge.
Ryan Hughes, a sophomore computer science major, is a coordinator for the University of Memphis orientation program and oversaw the event to help give back.
“We set up this donation table so anyone could give any sort of small toiletry items that they have,” said Hughes. “We give these items to Tiger Pantry, and Tiger Pantry gives it to other students that need it."
The Tiger Pantry is located on the second floor of the University Center, Room 275, and offers free groceries, toiletries, and household items to students in need. In the last three months, over 850 students have utilized this school resource.
“We just want to give back to the community,” said Hughes. “We do plan on having more fundraising events with Tiger Pantry in the future; the dates are to be determined.”
Students and faculty came by throughout the event to donate items and support their fellow Tigers.
Justice Denson, a first-year business major, believes events like these really show what the Tiger community is all about.
“I think everybody should have a fair chance and access to everything that’s needed. It is great what they are doing by having a holiday toiletry drive for people that need it,” said Denson. “It is a good thing to have this on campus to support the people that need it."
The Tiger Pantry is always accepting donations, but there will be more events like this to help students in need in the future. Donors can even give online; a $5 donation can help purchase over 200 pounds of food for the pantry.
If you need any of the items available at the Tiger Pantry, fill out the sign-up survey online on the University of Memphis website and visit the pantry during operating hours of 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
