Employees Break from Traditional Office Celebration to Assist Students in Need

WINTERVILLE—Faculty and staff from the Pitt Community College Developmental Education and Academic Support Department put the needs of others ahead of their own to make a special delivery to the campus food pantry this month.

Rather than spending their dollars on an interoffice gift exchange to celebrate the holiday season, PCC Developmental English Instructor Sallie Stone suggested the department members collect money and non-perishable food items to support students in need. They ended up donating $145 and two large boxes of food to the food pantry, which is located in the Craig F. Goess Student Center.

Dr. Katrina Arnold, PCC senior director of Developmental Education and Academic Support, said the department coordinated with Pitt counselors Olivia Sutton and Mecca Moore to purchase most-needed items. They presented their donations to counseling staff on Dec. 7.

“They were so happy, and maybe even a little overwhelmed, with all that our department was able to do for the food pantry,” Arnold said.

Sutton says the on-campus food pantry is part of PCC’s effort to help students stay in school and overcome barriers to their academic goals. Within the past few years, it’s proven to be a valuable resource by helping meet the needs of students affected by hurricanes and COVID-19.

“Many college students face academic pressures, financial struggles, family difficulties, and mental health challenges,” she said. “A number of them need options for support outside of the classroom in order to achieve success in higher education.”

Moore says food pantry donations are accepted throughout the year. Along with canned goods and non-perishable items, the counseling department seeks toiletries, diapers, wipes and gift cards, she said, adding that monetary donations can be made to the college’s Student Assistance Program Food Scholarship by calling the PCC Foundation at (252) 493-7287.

For more information on how to contribute to the food pantry, email pcccounseling@email.pittcc.edu or call (252) 493-7245.

12/09/2021