Graceland University Supply Closet

Many students with low economic standing are recruited to colleges. Once they arrive on campus, they find they do not have the financial means to provide basic living essentials. Many of these students, out of necessity, live off-campus and have no meal plans. In the fiscal year of 2013-2014 over 45 Graceland student families were regularly attending the Lamoni community food pantry. At the beginning of this past school year (fall of 2014) the Lamoni community pantry no longer accepts Graceland students. A Graceland faculty member had personally provided a private supply closet for disadvantaged students in her office. This small closet quickly exhausted its inventory and did not begin to meet the demand of students who need basic living supplies.

Without food, books, and other basic living needs, a student's focus moves from academics to survival. This leads to higher drop-out potential – thus continuing the cycle of poverty and low self-worth. Many students find there are no civil services available to them in the small town of Lamoni, Iowa. The Graceland Supply Closet will help lessen the struggle of these students. If we can help any of these students succeed and eventually graduate, we will have helped move someone from being “underprivileged” to “self-sustaining.”

Your donations will go directly to the Graceland Supply Closet to help purchace food, personal care items, bedding, and much more! Thanks!