WSSU students to benefit from expanded food, clothing resources through Allegacy Federal Credit Union partnership
Winston-Salem State University students will have access to more food and clothing resources thanks to the generosity of Allegacy Federal Credit Union.
Allegacy donated $120,000 to WSSU in 2023 to repurpose a former game room on the campus into the Allegacy Federal Credit Union Student Resource Center and has committed an additional $5,000 annually for the next five years to ensure its sustainability.
A grand opening reception of the Student Resource Center will take place at 12 p.m. on Jan. 23 in Room 207 of the Cleon F. Thompson Student Services Center, followed by tours of the new location on the ground floor of Thompson.
The new facility replaces its previous location, a modest 255-square-foot space in Room 202 of the Donald J. Reeves Student Activities Center. The renovated center now spans nearly 1,000 square feet and offers a wide array of resources, including non-perishable food, fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, milk, cheese, professional clothing and personal hygiene items.
Research indicates that food insecurity – one of Allegacy’s philanthropic priorities – significantly impacts the academic success of college students as hunger often hinders their ability to concentrate and perform well in their studies. Nationally, the number of food pantries on college campuses has risen sharply, from 88 in 2012 to more than 800 in 2022.
“The partnership with Allegacy Federal Credit Union has enabled us to better meet the needs of our students,” said Dr. Jon Kapell, assistant dean of students at WSSU. “Allegacy and their leadership genuinely see the value in investing in our students, and we are incredibly appreciative of their willingness to be our partners.”
“We are excited for the unveiling of this newly refurbished space that meets students’ essential needs helping them be more successful,” said Lori Timm, Allegacy’s Community and Financial Wellbeing manager. “This investment aligns with Allegacy’s commitment to furthering educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. On behalf of our employees and member-owners, we thank our partners at WSSU for their continued collaboration.”
The Student Resource Center is comprised of the WSSU Rams Helping Hands Food Pantry and The Career Closet, which centralizes 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.
The initiative is a collaboration between students, the Office of the Dean of Students, and regional/national corporate sponsors.
About Allegacy Federal Credit Union: 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.
