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Why are we here
The Penguin Pantry and the Career Closet exist to assist ALL members of our YSU Family, who are working to make ends meet, in-between jobs, or simply in need of assistance.
Who Do We Help
The Penguin Pantry and the Career Closet are available to ALL YSU students, faculty and staff.
How Do We Help
- The Penguin Pantry is a critical resource that stocks donations of non-perishable, fresh and frozen food items, hygiene products and cleaning supplies.
- The Career Closet offers professional attire that can significantly defray costs associated with job interviews, internships, student teaching, clinical rotations, banquets, courses where speeches are required and more.
Where Do We Help
Both resources are located on the 3rd floor of DeBartolo Hall.
When Do We Help
The Penguin Pantry and the Career Closet are open specified hours during the semester or by request. If assistance is needed outside of regular hours please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@ysu.edu or visit us in DeBartolo Hall, Room 301.
Hours of Operation
The Penguin Pantry and the Career Closet are open on Fridays from 10:00am-1:00pm. Patrons who need assistance outside of these hours should email dos@ysu.edu.
Using the Pantry And/OR THE CAREER CLOSET
- YSU students, staff and faculty are required to "check-in" using the YSU App each time they use the Penguin Pantry and/or Career Closet (check-ins are confidential).
- Registration forms are provided onsite and must be completed in their entirety each visit.
- Patrons must follow the current procedures set forth by the Office of the Dean of Students.
- Items are provided by generous donors, so availability may vary from week to week.
History
The” Penguin Pantry” was first envisioned by YSU’s Student Government Association in 2016, while the "Career Closet" (formerly known as the "Professional Attire Collection"), was managed by a variety of departments and caring volunteers over the years. To better serve campus, both resources moved under the Office of the Dean of Students in the Fall of 2022 and are currently staffed by YSU-affiliated volunteers and professional DOS staff members.
Donating to the Pantry
It is the generosity of the YSU Community that helps keep our pantry stocked and readily available. There are many ways in which you can support these valuable campus resources.
Donate Your Time
If you are interested in volunteering your time, please sign up using PenguinPulse, YSU’s platform for community engagement.
Donate Items
Items can be purchased through our Amazon Wishlist and delivered directly to DeBartolo Hall. Items such as food, clothing, hygiene products and cleaning supplies can be dropped off at the Office of the Dean of Students (DeBartolo Hall, Room 301) or outside of the Penguin Pantry (DeBartolo Hall, Room 346)
Monetary Donation
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please use the donation form hosted by the YSU Foundation. Be sure to select ‘Other’ under ‘Your Gift Designation’ and note that your donation is intended for the Penguin Pantry or the Penguin-to-Penguin Fund in the ‘Gift Details’ section.
Other
If you would like to engage with the pantry in another way, please e-mail the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@ysu.edu.
Helping a Fellow Penguin
If you know of someone who could benefit from the Penguin Pantry or Career Closet, please submit a Penguin of Concern Referral Form. Questions or concerns can be directed to the Office of The Dean of Students at dos@ysu.edu.