The results are in for the fourth annual Employee Giving Supplies Drive, and the outcome is record-breaking. This year’s drive brought in an impressive 1,853 pounds of non-perishable food and toiletries — surpassing last year’s total by more than 100 pounds. These generous donations will go directly to students through the ASUCD Pantry and Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center. Hosted by the Employee Giving Committee, which represents the UC Davis Employee Giving Program, the campus-wide event took place from Jan. 21-29, coinciding with the Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service.
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The Employee Giving Supplies Drive helps restock The Pantry — a student-run, student-led organization that provides food and essential items to UC Davis students. Founded to alleviate financial burdens, The Pantry ensures students have access to nutritious food and other necessities while they pursue their degrees.
“The donations we’ve received not only help keep our shelves stocked but help us diversify our current items and help us gain an improved understanding of student needs,” said Zahar King, the Pantry’s outreach manager. “Thanks to this drive, we are able to improve our ability to cater to our student population and reach those in need of greater support during these trying times.”
Representing 17 departments, units and schools across campus, team captains rallied their colleagues to bring in essential items to support students facing financial challenges. The team from Advancement Services in Development and Alumni Relations, or DEVAR, brought in the largest haul, contributing an impressive 300.4 pounds of food and toiletries.
“I see how our colleagues, administration, retirees and others have come together to support our student community by supplying basic needs, from canned food and snacks to essential hygiene products,” said Korinne Labourdette, assistant director of Philanthropy Programs, Annual and Special Gifts Programs. “I appreciate each team captain who stepped up to lead the supplies drive in their area and took the initiative to encourage, email and market their teams to do the same.”
The Employee Giving Committee expressed gratitude to Transportation Services for their partnership in this year’s drive, which included picking up supplies from multiple locations around campus and dropping them off at The Pantry. The committee also expressed thanks to all participating teams:
- Administration, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Academic Affairs, Office of the Provost
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Foundation Plant Services
- Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Graduate School of Management
- Shields Library
- Enrollment Management, Office of the Chancellor
- Yellow Cluster Administration, College of Letters and Science
- Student Services, School of Education
- Dean’s Office, College of Biological Sciences
- Student Health and Wellness Center
- Donor Relations, DEVAR
- Prospect Management, DEVAR
- Foundation and Corporate Engagement, DEVAR
- Advancement Services, DEVAR
- Annual and Special Gifts Programs, DEVAR
- Fred Costello, a retiree from Student Housing and Dining Services
Learn more about the Employee Giving Committee, including how to get involved, on its website.
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Bryan Anthony is a senior writer for the Annual and Special Gifts Program in Development and Alumni Relations, and can be reached by email or at 530-754-0482.