Student creates a ‘prevention pantry’ for her college

PHILADELPHIA — When rising senior Jasmine Mays got to thinking about returning to Villanova University this semester, the coronavirus weighed on her mind.

“I was concerned about our safety and our actual security on campus,” said the psychology major and biology minor.

But Mays being Mays, she did more than just think about it. She came up with a plan, and then she sprang into action, enlisting the help of Villanova friends and administrators. She raised money, she networked, she amassed donations.

What came out of that effort is Villanova’s COVID-19 Prevention Pantry, a free resource of cleaning and other health preservation and feel-better products for any student who requests them. Aug. 22 was the kickoff event, with 100 kits of supplies available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

“I love helping people,” she said. “I always want to do stuff to help people.”

If Mays treats her accomplishment as no biggie, there are many who would disagree.

“Jasmine is a natural-born leader,” said Stephen Koch, Villanova’s assistant director of student involvement for leadership programs. “It’s been phenomenal she’s been able to do this. She’s really paid attention to what the campus needs are.”

It’s not the first time Mays has seen a need and acted on it. Apparently, it’s just what she does.

“I was a Girl Scout growing up, and we always did service projects,” said Mays, 22. “We used to make blankets for babies. We did Thanksgiving drives and stuff like that.”

While attending West Catholic High School, she worked on service projects with the scouts and also with the National Honor Society. She especially enjoyed volunteering at St. Francis Inn in Kensington, which offers free meals to people experiencing homelessness and poverty.