Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
At-risk WCU students get boost from donation
West Chester University’s Resource Pantry for students in need was the recipient of a $45,000 check.
WEST CHESTER » West Chester University’s Resource Pantry for students in need was the recipient of a generous $45,000 check Tuesday, courtesy of Student Services, Incorporated and the Pennsyvlania State Employees Credit Union.
The event took place at the West Chester University Resource Pantry.
The donation will support the pantry’s recent renovation, daily operations, as well as its career closet.
“SSI recognizes that there are some students who have greater need than other students,” said SSI Chair of the Board of Directors Bernie Carrozza. “We never want a student to have to choose between buying a textbook or a meal or even basic essentials, because they do not have the means to do so. SSI is compelled to invest in the WCU Resource Pantry, because we support the drive and determination of these students to secure a college education.”
Some of the funds will go the pantry’s ‘Career Closet’ which provides students with professional attire for interviews and internships. The pantry also works with ‘Wings for Success,’ a nonprofit in Frazer which provides free professional attire for women in need.
The WCU Resource Pantry found a permanent home on campus recently with fresh food, business attire services, and expanded space. The new space now provides the extra room needed for a kitchen and refrigerator stocked with fresh food from the University’s South Campus and Tanglewood Gardens, as well as a room for toiletries and school supplies, a welcoming intake space for students, and even an area where donated desktop computers can be provided.
Prior to the recent move to Commonwealth Hall, the one year-old WCU Resource Pantry was located in a compact space in Lawrence Hall, which it quickly outgrew. Since the start of classes this semester, numerous visits to the WCU Resource Pantry have been made by students needing basic essentials, including non-perishable food.
“PSECU has a long history of supporting students, and forging strong relationships with educational partners throughout Pennsylvania,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “The students who receive assistance from the WCU Resource Pantry will also be able to benefit from a strong educational foun-
dation. PSECU is proud to continue its tradition of service and to be part of these students’ successful journeys.”
Christopher Fiorentino, West Chester University president, said the gift will aid at-risk students.
“West Chester University is quite fortunate to be able to benefit from the generous gifts of SSI and PSECU,” he said. “As we work to provide the tools that our students need to excel in today’s world, the assistance from SSI and PSECU provides the priceless essentials that they need equally
as much. On behalf of the university and the many students who benefit from the WCU Resource Pantry, please accept our thanks. We are truly grateful.”
The WCU Resource Pantry resides within the Office of Service Learning & Volunteer Programs, and is supported by the Office of Financial Aid, Office of Student Affairs, and very generous donors through the WCU Foundation. More information about the Resource Pantry can be found at www.wcupa.edu/pantry.
Student Services, Incorporated (SSI) is a not-forprofit organization designed to serve the students of West Chester University. The objective of the corporation is to initiate, regulate, and operate
the financial matters of the university’s co-curricular student activities.
Opened in 1934, PSECU was founded by 22 ordinary people who made an extraordinary commitment to each other: “To create a financial institution where pooled resources benefit all members. Today, we are a full-service credit union serving more than 430,000 members and have over $5 billion in assets. As a notfor-profit financial institution, our goal remains to help its members and their families achieve a better life. For more information about PSECU, visit psecu. com. View our Community Report Card to learn how we contribute to the greater good.”