FEBRUARY 28, 2018
Student Services, Inc. & PSECU Make $45,000 Check Presentation to WCU Resource Pantry
The 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.West Chester University's Resource Pantry for students-in-need was the fortunate recipient of a generous $45,000 check courtesy of Student Services, Incorporated (SSI) and PSECU on Tuesday, Feb. 27. The much-needed gift will support the pantry's recent renovation, daily operations, as well as its career closet.
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.
"SSI recognizes that there are some students who have greater need than other students," said SSI Chair of the Board of Directors Bernie Carrozza, who is also a long-time former member and chair of the WCU Council of Trustees. "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."
PSECU is in full agreement. "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 foundation. PSECU is proud to continue its tradition of service and to be part of these students' successful journeys."
"West Chester University is quite fortunate to be able to benefit from the generous gifts of SSI and PSECU," said WCU President Christopher Fiorentino. "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. Learn more about the WCU Resource Pantry.
Student Services, Incorporated (SSI) is a not-for-profit 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, it is a full-service credit union serving more than 430,000 members and with more than $5 billion in assets. As a not-for-profit financial institution, its goal remains to help its members and their families achieve a better life.