Allegacy donates nearly $150K to expand WSSU’s food pantry, clothes closet

Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU) food pantry and career closet is combining into a single larger space to better serve students, thanks to the generous grants from Allegacy Federal Credit Union.

Allegacy donated $145,000 to WSSU with $120,000 earmarked for renovation of the new Student Resource Center and $5,000 per year for five years to provide support and resources for the center.

The new name, “The Allegacy Federal Credit Union Student Resource Center at WSSU,” will be located in the former game room on the ground floor of the Cleon F. Thompson Student Services Center. The current location, Room 202 of the Donald J. Reeves Student Activities Center, is a modest 255 square feet. The new renovated space will encompass nearly 1,000 square feet and feature non-perishable food, fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, milk, cheese, professional clothing and personal hygiene items. Renovation is expected to begin soon.

“The contribution and support from Allegacy is a game changer in how we provide resources to our students,” said Dr. Jon Kapell, assistant dean of students at WSSU. “The renovation of the new space, along with the ongoing annual contribution in providing supplies, enables us to enhance the level of service provided to our students.”

“Allegacy continues to seek opportunities to support and advance Winston-Salem and the communities we serve,” said Allegacy Senior Executive Vice President Brian K. Vannoy. “Through this investment in WSSU on behalf of our member-owners, we aim to extend the transformative work of the Student Resource Center to address the holistic needs of their students and community.”

The Student Resource Center is comprised of the WSSU Rams Helping Hands Food Pantry and The Career Closet, which aims to centralize resources to connect students to childcare, basic needs, food and housing assistance, transportation and healthcare. The center connects students to campus and community resources and services to help them overcome barriers that interfere with their success.

There are 250 active users of the food pantry and career closet as compared to 79 last year, said Kapell said.  “We see a high rate of food usage from the resources in the center, and we are happy to see so many students taking advantage.”

Having refrigeration in the news space will allow the Allegacy Student Resource Center to provide produce, meats and cheeses, which it currently does not.

The food pantry is staffed by student interns, volunteers, and leaders trained to provide caring and compassionate service, to be respectful to all, and to maintain the confidentiality of those who use the food pantry. The initiative is a collaboration between students, the Office of the Dean of Students, and regional/national corporate sponsors.

The WSSU Rams Helping Hands Food Pantry accepts donations from businesses, organizations and individuals. To learn how you can donate, email Dr. Jon Kapell at kapelljd@wssu.edu.

For 57 years, Allegacy Federal Credit Union has helped its members, employees, and the communities it serves be their best by helping all make smart financial decisions. Allegacy is one of the largest credit unions in North Carolina, serving more than 174,000 members worldwide with $2.2 billion in assets and more than $1.5 billion in assets under management in Allegacy Investment Group, offered through CUSO Financial Services, LP. With roots in Winston-Salem, Allegacy has 19 locations across the Triad and Charlotte areas, and nine high school student-run credit unions. Allegacy offers personal and business financial services to its members, including the employees, retirees, and families of more than 5,000 companies throughout the country. To learn more, visit Allegacy.org.

Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region, and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. For more information, visit www.wssu.edu.