With many college students facing a lack of food, clothing and security across the United States, Lincoln University has opened its Blue Tiger Resource Center to any person on campus who might need service.
LU President Jerald Jones Woolfolk, along with Student Government Association President Logan Griggs-Mitchell, cut the ribbon to the center during a grand opening Wednesday afternoon.
"In the past, we've had some food collection spaces or we've had some clothing closets, but this resource center is really a one-stop shop for every need that a student could have," said Misty Nunn, Lincoln's communications and marketing director.
More than $150,000 in clothing for men, women and children has been donated to the university for students facing financial or personal issues. Diapers are available for students with small children, and school supplies will be offered at the beginning of the upcoming semester.
Open 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, students are free to walk in and acquire whatever they need. If students require access to the facilities outside of those times, they may contact the center's director, Ernest Washington.
"We believe that food and security is one of the greatest things that our students face," Nunn said. "Not knowing where your next meal is coming from is always going to be a problem."
The Blue Tiger Resource Center will be available to serve students and faculty.
"It is primarily for the students of Lincoln University, but if we ever had a member of faculty that was in need, they would not be turned away," Nunn said. "The resources that we're able to provide within the center are going to be very important for our students' success both in class and out."
With staff, faculty and families donating their own time and resources to the Blue Tiger Resource Center, Woolfolk is happy to see the LU community work together to make sure students have what they need to succeed in their academic careers.
"I'm always proud to be able to deliver to students the things that they need, and this is one of the things that they need," Woolfolk said. "Food, clothing and security is an issue across the country in higher education, so I am just happy that we can provide students with this resource."