2017 CEHS Giving Challenge

08 Nov 2017     By Kari Eller

Nearly one in three University of Nebraska–Lincoln students worry about not having enough money to buy food. The 2017 CEHS Giving Challenge, which runs until Dec. 15, will support the Huskers Helping Huskers Pantry+. Sponsored by the CEHS Staff Council, this event will collect needed items or cash to restock the shelves of the pantry.

The pantry is a “one-stop shop” that provides comprehensive services for UNL students. Any current student who is struggling financially can receive free food, hygiene items, and school supplies. They can also access community resources, such as housing and local food assistance programs. The program was founded in January 2017 by the Office of Student Affairs and Juan Franco, former CEHS faculty member and vice chancellor of Student Affairs. Franco passed away in August 2017, but his legacy and spirit of caring for students lives on.

“There is nothing more sad than watching a student suffer, especially when it comes to issues like hunger and not having a place to live," Franco said. 

The pantry’s most needed items include: rice, pasta sauce, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, dish soap, canned fruit, fruit cups, face wash, tissue, feminine hygiene items, toilet paper, hand soap, disinfectant wipes, granola bars, paper towels, and laundry detergent. A list of all items stocked in the pantry is also available on their website (https://pantry.unl.edu/). 

To participate, simply drop off items on city campus in TEAC, Rm. 141 or on east campus in HSB, Rm. 105. CEHS faculty and staff can also make financial contributions by Friday, Dec. 15. Cash and checks will be accepted at either of the drop-off locations. Checks should be made to UNL – Huskers Helping Huskers. Online financial contributions (debit or credit) may also be made to fund #01140700 on the University of Nebraska Foundation website https://nufoundation.org.

All participants will be entered in a drawing to win one of two special crocheted afghans. The winners of the afghans will be announced at the CEHS Staff Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 21. For more information on the 2017 CEHS Giving Challenge, please contact Melanie Kellogg at mkellogg1@unl.edu or 472-9359.