Western Michigan University Aims To Help Students In Need

It is giving season!

If you want to figure out how to give back to the West Michigan community, there is an amazing way to do so.

All thanks to Western Michigan University.

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Miller Auditorium will be partnering with Western Michigan University’s Essential Needs (previously known as the Invisible Needs project) this November and December.

"This collaboration aims to provide crucial support to students facing food insecurity and other essential needs."

What Is Essential Needs?

Formally known as The Invisible Need Project, Essential Needs is the umbrella program for multiple initiatives that help to address unmet basic needs on campus including the on-campus food pantry.

WMU

They believe that unmet basic needs should not be a barrier to continued academic engagement and student success.

The Essential Needs food pantry distributed a record high of over 10,000 bags of food and personal care products to WMU students last year.

"The current usage of the food pantry has increased by 223% since Fall 2022, highlighting the growing demand for such essential resources among the student body."

What Items Are Needed For Donations?

The items needed are as follows:

Pasta & Sauce
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Breakfast Items
Vegetarian Soups
Canned Proteins (chicken, tuna, beans)
Easy to Cook / Ready to Eat Meals
Personal Care Items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo & conditioner, etc.)
Winter gear

Where Do We Drop Off Donations?

Throughout this period, there will be a designated donation box that will be available Monday through Friday 12 pm through 6 pm during regular box office hours and before shows, accepting contributions of various food items and winter necessities.