UVI to Host Oct. 8 Donation Drive Supporting Student Needs and Career Success

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is calling on students, employees, alumni, businesses and community supporters to help strengthen two important student resources during the Essential Needs Pantry and Professional Dress Closet Pop-Up and Donation Drive on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bookstore parking lot on the Orville E. Kean (OEK) Campus. 

The event will provide students with convenient access to food and professional clothing while giving members of the University and wider community an opportunity to donate essential items, volunteer and learn more about the initiative. 

Students are encouraged to stop by, explore the available resources and connect with members of the team. Community supporters may bring donations directly to the event to help replenish supplies and ensure that UVI students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically and professionally. 

Advancing Student Well-Being and Success 

Launched on Jan. 19, 2024, the Essential Needs Pantry is a Division of Student Affairs initiative established with support from six chapters of the Eastern Area of The Links, Incorporated. The pantry serves both residential and commuter students by helping to address food insecurity and improve access to food and other everyday essentials. 

By easing some of the financial pressures associated with meeting basic needs, the pantry helps students remain focused on their education and personal well-being. 

The Professional Dress Closet builds on that mission by providing students with attire for job interviews, internships, career fairs, presentations and other professional opportunities. Together, the two initiatives address immediate needs while helping students prepare confidently for future success. 

The Essential Needs Pantry and Professional Dress Closet is located upstairs in Gordon House, also known as Health Services, on the OEK Campus. The Oct. 8 pop-up will bring these resources directly to the Bookstore parking lot and make it easy for supporters to contribute. 

Help Stock the Pantry and Dress Closet 

Individuals, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to donate the following: 

  • Nonperishable, shelf-stable food: Canned vegetables, fruits, beans and tuna; pasta; oatmeal; cereal; peanut butter; and other foods that do not require refrigeration before opening. All food donations must be unopened and in their original, labeled packaging. 
  • Professional clothing for students: New or gently used suits, blazers, dress shirts, blouses, dress pants, skirts, professional dresses and ties in a variety of sizes. All clothing should be clean and in good condition. 

Donations may be dropped off in the Bookstore parking lot between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 8. 

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are also invited to volunteer and help make the event a success. 

For more information, to coordinate a donation or to volunteer, please contact: 

  • Mary Myers, Coordinator of Student Employment and Career Services: mmyers@uvi.edu