College of DuPage’s (COD) Thrive Club partnered with the Care Kit Foundation, a local nonprofit, to secure a donation of hygiene products weighing a staggering 421 pounds. These donations are currently available free of charge to anyone who needs them through COD’s Fuel Pantry, located next to the bookstore in the Student Resource Center (SRC) on campus.
Vivan Kumar, president of Thrive Club, realized that during the upcoming summer season, fewer campus donation efforts will operate. Because of this, those who regularly rely on these donations may be left without access to adequate necessities for months.
Kumar also said that while organizing other donation drives, he noticed a severe lack of campus efforts that focus on the collection and distribution of hygiene products.
“While food donations are more commonly available through drives and food banks, hygiene kits and personal care items are much harder to obtain, even though they are basic necessities for many students,” Kumar said. “This donation helps fill an important gap that we regularly experience on campus.”
Items like soap, toothpaste and deodorant are essential for both health and dignity, he said. This initiative aims to stock the Fuel Pantry throughout the summer with much-needed hygiene items.
To initiate this cause, Kumar began reaching out to different nonprofit organizations across DuPage County. Although he was initially met with few responses, the executive director of the Care Kit Foundation, Kerry Rost, soon responded. Rost immediately expressed interest in joining the cause and committed to donating.
The Orland Park-based Care Kit Foundation focuses mainly on collecting donations of hygiene products and school supplies, two often forgotten necessities. The nonprofit then distributes the donations through local schools, food pantries and community centers.
“[Rost] was incredibly kind and supportive throughout the process. [The Care Kit Foundation] donated far more than I initially expected, and I would absolutely love to continue working with them in the future,” Kumar said.
The donations provided by the Care Kit Foundation totaled 421 pounds, marking one of the largest outreach opportunities Thrive Club has ever completed. The donation included about 750 pairs of socks and numerous hygiene kits containing essential toiletries and other helpful items. The kits came in both travel and full sizes.
Kumar reflected on his efforts to continue to reach out to different organizations until he received a response.
“Impact doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities; it comes from creating them,” Kumar said.
The donations received by Thrive Club have since been transferred to and processed by the Fuel Pantry. Due to the amount of donations received, Thrive Club estimates they will sustain students, faculty and staff who need them through at least the next few months.
“The items have been extremely valuable to the almost 200 students who visited the pantry last week,” said Linda Kozlowski, Fuel Pantry adviser.
To access the Fuel Pantry for the first time, students, staff and faculty members can register online. Repeat customers can simply stop by to pick up the resources the pantry offers. Although hours vary, the Fuel Pantry operates Monday through Thursday year-round.
“This experience has been a meaningful learning opportunity, and it has encouraged me to continue reaching out to more organizations and building partnerships to support students in any way possible,” Kumar said.
Thrive Club meets weekly on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in room 1108 of the Student Services Center (SSC).
The Fuel Pantry is always in need of donations, which can be made here.
