Holiday Food and Donation Drive
The Staff Senate is collecting items this holiday season at the Arlington, Fairfax, and Science and Technology campuses.
All non-perishable food items, personal items, and school supplies collected will be donated to the Patriot Pantry, a food pantry that provides access to non-perishable food items, toiletries, and basic school supplies to George Mason University students who are unable to afford them. Patriot Pantry also has a List of Items that are most requested and an Amazon Wishlist. If you are interested in supporting the Patriot Pantry with a financial contribution, you can donate to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund by visiting: advancement.gmu.edu/iul11
Donations will be collected beginning November 18, 2019.
Arlington: The Arlington Campus is collecting general gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) to empower homeless families and children to have a happier holiday. The gift cards will benefit Bridges to Independence, a local nonprofit that leads individuals and families out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. Donating gift cards, rather than individual toys or other gifts, empowers families to purchase gifts for their own children. General gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are requested so that families may shop where they are. Major department stores like Target and Walmart are not always accessible by Metro, and many families do not have vehicles. Gift cards may be donated through Dec. 13. Deliver to Jennifer Gantt, Arlington Administration, in Van Metre Hall, Suite 220. The gift card donation drive is sponsored by Arlington Administration and the Staff Senate. Contact jgantt@gmu.edu with questions.
Fairfax: The Fairfax Campus will collect new and unwrapped books for Inova Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit that relies on community support to provide world-class care close to home. As an educational institution, we all know the importance of having access to books to read, learn, and enjoy. Having a book to read themselves or having a book read to them may brighten their day, especially if they are too ill or unable to play with a toy. Also, older children who may have outgrown toys can still enjoy books, including activity books tailored to their age (puzzle books, adult coloring books, etc). Inova Children’s Hospital has set up a Wish List of currently needed items, an Amazon Wish List, and Gift Policies to avoid any items that they cannot accept.
Science and Technology: The Science and Technology campus will be collecting pet supplies for the Prince William County Animal Shelter. They have a Wish List of currently needed items and an Amazon Wish List. Due to limited storage, they appreciate Amazon, Petco, Petsmart, Target & Walmart gift cards. If you would like to donate a gift card or more expensive item, you can drop off in person or inter-campus mail donations to Erin Rogers, 217 Colgan Hall; MSN: 5B8.
The deadline for collection will be at the Campus University Holiday Parties. To drop off donations prior to the University Holiday Parties use these drop off sites:
Arlington: Van Metre Hall Lobby, Hazel Hall Atrium, University Life Arlington (Van Metre Hall, Suite 222)
Fairfax: Merten Hall Information Desk and Buchanan Hall – outside of D019. On the day of the Fairfax Holiday Party, the senate will be collecting items in the Johnson Center Cinema.
Science and Technology: Lobby of Colgan Hall and Lobby of Katherine Johnson Hall
If you have any questions, please direct them to staffsenate@gmu.edu.