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Ariana Lasher ’20 was all smiles as she saw the impact the University’s Career Closet/Campus Pantry was already making on her fellow students at its recent grand opening. An intern in the University’s Career Development Center, Lasher helped celebrate the unveiling of the Career Closet/Campus Pantry’s new permanent location in Ruden Street Building 19, Room 005.

"It’s great that we were able to provide an outlet on campus rather than arranging transportation to off-campus resources," said Lasher. "Some students don’t have cars, and this is convenient. They can walk here."

Students browsed donated professional clothing such as shirts, blazers, pants, and skirts available to them at no cost that they can wear to a job or internship interview.

"This is a great opportunity for students because it isn’t always easy to get business clothing," said a student who selected some new clothes at the grand opening. "I’m grateful that students like me can come here to get what they need without feeling bad."

"It warms my heart to see this help students. Seeing their reaction and the impact it has already made on them is incredible."Bella Miceli

Created through a collaboration between the University’s Career Development Center, ChargerREC, and , the Career Closet/Campus Pantry also provides students with non-perishable food, as well as health and wellness items, at no cost.

"It’s important because we are helping set students up for success so they can go to class and focus without worrying," said Katie George, operations and events manager for the University’s Career Development Center. "I hope this will continue to make an impact for a long time."

"Stop & Shop is proud to help support the University of New 51����’s Career Closet/Campus Pantry," said Jennifer Brogan, director of community relations for Stop & Shop. "We applaud the University’s efforts to provide a place where students can access the essential items they need to enable them to focus on advancing their education and working toward their career goals."

The conversation around financial insecurity is a national issue, George says, and the University wants to ensure that students have access to all the resources they need to succeed. The Career Closet/Campus Pantry is accepting clothing donations such as blazers, skirts, ties, and button-down shirts. It is also in need of non-perishable food donations, as well as health and wellness items such as soap, toothbrushes, and toilet paper.

"It warms my heart to see this help students," said Bella Miceli, assistant director of fitness and wellness at ChargerREC. "Seeing their reaction and the impact it has already made on them is incredible."

The University has established the Students First Fund to support initiatives such as the Career Closet and Campus Pantry. Those who are interested in making monetary donations to this fund can , and select “Students First Fund” from the drop down menu. Those interesting in donating business attire, nonperishable food, or health and wellness items can email closetpantry@newhaven.edu.