Today is Giving Tuesday for many, including the Wolf Pack at the University of Nevada Reno.
They're asking the community to donate and volunteer their time this holiday season. UNR is also asking for assistance to raise funds for campus projects and initiatives that positively impact the university and community through its Crowdfund Nevada Campaign.
The Pack Provisions Program is one of the university's many ways they give back to the campus.
Pack Provisions is an on-campus food pantry, raising funds to supports university students in need.
One out of three undergraduate students reported being food insecure within the last six months.
Through this program, they've helped nearly 6,000 students during the 2023-2024 school year and currently have an average of 200 visits per week.
Ryan Syad, the Assistant Director of Pack Provisions at UNR explains: “Pack Provisions is integral to the Wolf Pack community. 33% of our students in our last engagement survey were found to be very food insecure; and really, students love getting involved and helping other students. And because of our proximity to campus, we provide a great platform for our students to do that.”
He adds, “Students can’t focus on their education when their focusing on food instead - so really our goal... we’re unique because our food pantry, our goal is to get students across the finish line to get their degree. There’s a good chance if students get that degree they’ll never have to get into a food pantry ever again.”
The Pack Provisions Program isn't just for students, they also serve faculty staff and those related to the Wolf Pack community.
The Giving Tuesday Donation Campaign focuses on encouraging the community to give back to the University. Pack Provisions is just one of the many things on UNR's campus you can donate to.
Syad says monetary and physical donations are both appreciated.
He says, “Anything helps. A lot of times people feel that they really can’t help that much; but if you want to come in and volunteer, you want to come in and donate anything and everything is appreciated.”
If you would like to donate to the University for Giving Tuesday you can click the link here or if you would like to donate directly to Pack Provisions you can click the link here.
