Patrick & Henry Community College has hosted Patriot Pantry, a food and hygiene shop for students, since 2016 supported solely on donations.
P&HCC students can shop at the Pantry for food and hygiene items as well as school supplies once per month based on a points allocation system. When they visit the Pantry, they will find a wide variety of non-perishable food items including grab-and-go meals, pop-top canned food items, and traditionally popular protein bars and shakes.
This week, Patriot Pantry staff accepted a donation from ValleyStar Martinsville staff members as part of United Way of HCM’s Day of Caring. The annual event partners businesses with organizations in need of project assistance. One such project for 2024 was a non-perishable food and hygiene product drive for Patriot Pantry.
“We are so grateful to United Way for promoting a drive for the Pantry and to ValleyStar for the overwhelming support they have demonstrated for our students through their donations,” said Student Success Center coordinator Seberina Tatum.
The Pantry served 102 students in the spring 2024 semester and staff members are excited to continue to support as many students as possible this fall.
In addition to grants they have received this summer and ValleyStar’s Day of Caring donation, the pantry welcomes community donations of hygiene products such as shampoo and deodorant, food within use-by date, and household supplies such as laundry detergent.
Community members who are interested in learning more about the Pantry or in making a donation are encouraged to contact Seberina Tatum or Lisa Coffey at 276-638-8777.
In the photo:
Rebecca Conter (UWHCM workplace engagement & donor services coordinator), Val Dillard (P&HCC college success coach), Lisa Coffey (P&HCC college success program specialist), Susan Case (ValleyStar branch manager), Seberina Tatum (P&HCC Student Success Center coordinator), Briana Koger (P&HCC college success & Great Expectations coach) prepare to stock the Patriot Pantry with items donated by ValleyStar employees. Not pictured: Lori Lowe-Bonds (P&HCC college success coach).