Long Break Leaves Some College Students In Need

WEST CHESTER, PA — Operation SNOW (Student Needs Over Winter) is kicking in for heavy needs over Winter Break 2020 at West Chester University.

A pandemic, an extra long break, and dining services closing for eight weeks forced SNOW volunteers to stretch their services. West Chester University Resource Pantry's Operation SNOW has expanded from its standard one week of student supplies to eight weeks. The extension was necessary because Aramark, which operates the university's dining hall, will be closed from Nov. 20 through Jan. 22.

The Resource Pantry accommodates students in the Promise Program who stay on campus over the winter break. The Promise Program helps support unaccompanied homeless and foster youth with access to year-round housing on campus, including over breaks.

The program makes sure they have food and supplies from the Resource Pantry. It also assists with employment opportunities and finding access to scholarships. Its monthly dinners provide mentorship and a place of belonging.

Long breaks have been a creative way to keep campus populations sparse during what could be the worst stretch of the coronavirus pandemic. University breaks on many campuses are extended this year, as students are taking virtual exams after Thanksgiving and classes are not reconvening in any form until January.

But the break was a potential problem for those in the Promise Program.

"The global pandemic has been especially difficult for the individuals in our society who already struggled with basic need insecurities prior to the outbreak of Covid-19," said Pam Frontino, Associate Director of the University’s Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact.

"College students are no exception, and many face an elevated set of challenges as they navigate the student experience during these harsh times."

On Thursday, Nov. 19, about two dozen volunteers gathered in two shifts in Sykes Student Union Ballrooms to organize and pack up bags and boxes that will be delivered to students throughout the extended break.

Faculty and staff have been donating food and personal care items since Oct. 12.

"We also worked with community donors to collect food and supplies," said Frontino.

Fontino organized the volunteers and the event. She also made pickup runs to WCU employees' homes to gather donated items.

The event coincided with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 15 to 22.

Tori Nuccio is WCU's Single Point of Contact for unaccompanied foster and homeless youth and those in WCU's Promise Program.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact marlene.lang@patch.com.