STUDENTS LAUNCH CHRISTMAS DONATION EVENT ON FIRST BIRTHDAY OF PETER SYMONDS COMMUNITY PANTRY
Peter Symonds students are holding a donation event for its Symonds Community Pantry on Monday 25 November, to encourage contributions of basic essentials such as tinned, packet and jar foods, toiletries, and laundry and cleaning materials to support their most vulnerable peers and staff in the run up to Christmas.
More than 2,000 items have been taken by Symonds Community Pantry users since it was established in November 2023. The most popular items* have been:
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In January 2024 a second pantry was established at the College’s Ashurst building to provide support alongside the original, still located in the College’s Student Common Room. Students have also increased the pantry’s reach to those who most need it by writing cost-conscious recipe cards and creating family donation boxes, as well as by continuously monitoring and stocking both outlets.
Alison Sanson, Student Welfare Officer, said: ““We’ve been blown away by how students have taken the spirit of the Symonds Community Pantry to their hearts. They have embraced it and have run with it, working incredibly hard to make sure that it’s reaching those who most need it and to ensure its smooth running throughout the academic year. The festive donation event on 25 November was our students’ idea and we’re hoping to top our record of 220 items donated in a single day.”
“We are incredibly grateful to anyone able to donate all year round but especially in the run up to Christmas. The pantries can be used every day if needed and no one needs permission to use it. It is entirely open access with no limits – we operate it on the basis of trust. Interestingly, the Ashurst Pantry has become a more popular site, possibly because it is more private and near a college exit, and from where students can catch their buses.”
Ed Addis, Student Leader and pantry volunteer, said: "I think the pantry is a brilliant addition to the college community. It provides anonymous support for those who we may not realise are facing hardship. Volunteering has made me a better rounded, more thoughtful person."
Anoushka Samanta, Student Leader and pantry volunteer, said: "it's a sign of the times that we need Symonds Pantry, but it's really good that we can offer this, and that students and staff feel able to take what they need. It's been challenging to set up and run a new group of volunteers but I have learnt new skills. Lots more students have become involved meaning we can run the Symonds Pantry, raise awareness and start new initiatives like our recipe cards"
Please contact Student Services on student.services@psc.ac.uk or call 01962 857 500 if you are able to donate or to help the Symonds Community Pantry in any way. Our Student Services team accepts donations of sealed items including tinned and other cupboard foods and toiletries.
The Symonds Community Pantry is an addition to the College’s on-going support for students via the 16-19 Bursaries, Free College Meals, and free period products. Students already in receipt of Free College Meals can still use the Pantry for goods at home. Originally established with support from Winchester City Council and Connect4Communities, the Symonds Community Pantry offers cupboard goods and frozen food, toiletries and cleaning essentials for the home.
*Denotes items taken by users to 21 October, 2024
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Posted: 19 November 2024
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