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Staff Council issues a double dog dare during this year's Archie's Food Closet drive

September 12, 2014

Facing a financial hardship or an emergency is a situation any of us could find ourselves in. Having the resources or money to buy groceries during this time can prove to be a challenge. While Archie's Food Closet is mostly advantageous to students, it also is available to USI employees.

Archibald Eagle's Food Closet opened its doors on November 16, 1992. It was the brainchild of Sandra Lawrence, former director of Health Services. Lawrence recognized the financial need that students and lack of transportation for some students. The initiative was co-sponsored by the Social Work Club. A start-up grant of $250 from the Student Government Association was used to initially stock the closet and it has been maintained through donations from USI employees, community and campus food drives. An account was established through USI Foundation to receive monetary donations. The goal of the food pantry in Lawrence's words was "Having a food pantry on campus seemed a way to provide temporary assistance, foster a caring atmosphere and promote wellness on campus."

Food ShelvesThe food closet, located in the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness (RFW) building, is now maintained by Jeannie Kuebler, senior administrative assistant in RFW. Students or employees simply come to the front desk and ask for Archie. A back entrance by the stairs is available for privacy purposes. Kuebler allows them to select from the shelves what they need. "We give them one large bag, or they can bring the reusable bags and we let them walk through and pick. We do have limitations on things that go quickly," she said.

While donations are accepted year round, much of the stock is replenished through campus food drives. Sodexo, USI sorority and fraternity groups, Rice Library and service learning classes all have held drives, but one of the largest collectors is the Employee Relations committee of Staff Council, collecting more than 3,300 non-perishable food and personal hygiene items last year. The annual Staff Council drive is held as a competition between departments and a traveling trophy, appropriately made from cans of food stacked atop one another, is issued to the department that collects the most.

Social Work has swept the competition over the past several years. "We would like to see more competing departments participate or join forces to give the Social Work department a run for their money," said Nita Musich, senior administrative associate of the President's Office and chair of the Employee Relations Committee. "Staff Council would like to double dog dare anyone to steal that coveted trophy this year from Social Work," she said. "They have dominated the past several years, and we hope to see that kind of enthusiasm from other participants. Last year Social Work collected 738 items with Rice Library hot on their trail with 694 items."

Archie5The light-hearted challenge is intended to fulfill an important need in the spirit of competition. "Without the promotion that the Staff Council drive provides, it would be difficult for Archie's Closet to serve as many students and employees," said Musich. "It's an important community service initiative of the University, and one of Staff Council's purposes is to foster staff involvement in University matters."

Canned vegetables are a commonly donated item, and are much appreciated. However, there are other goods that are very popular and much needed. This wish list includes fruit, canned pastas, soups, macaroni and cheese, rice sides, pasta sides, boxed puddings, dessert items, dry pasta, pasta sauce, soft drinks, baked beans, cereal, snacks - chips, nuts, popcorn, etc., canned meats - tuna, ham, chicken, etc., personal hygiene items - soaps, shampoos, conditioners, deodorant, tampons, maxi pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste; paper items - toilet paper, paper towels, and  tissues.

Departments who would like to participate can find out more on the Staff Council registration site.  For questions about holding your own drive, donations, or about visiting Archie's Closet, contact Jeannie Kuebler at jkuebler@usi.edu or 812-464-1807.

 

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