Giving Tuesday focus on Replenish will help students thrive in, out of classroom

More than 2,000 students will access food and personal care items through the Replenish Basic Needs Center this year. The Laker community can help students thrive in and out of the classroom by making a donation to the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund on Giving Tuesday.

Grand Valley will once again highlight the fund during Giving Tuesday on December 3, the national philanthropic day of giving after Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Last year, more than $40,000 was raised for the fund.

Lariesha Lee is the assistant director at the Center for Women and Gender Equity. Lee oversees the three Replenish locations and said student demand for items will likely increase this year.

"Many students are juggling financial instability while going to college which can directly impact their health, well-being, and ability to focus on their education," Lee said. "With these challenges, Replenish is critical in fostering food security and helping students thrive."

This year the goal is to have at least 800 donors participate in Giving Tuesday. Lee said a gift of $25 will help fill two grocery bags. Donations can be made online at 551827.com/giving/givingtuesday . There are multiple challenges and matches that will double individual gifts to Replenish, although the campus community can give to any GVSU fund that is meaningful to them.

A campus food drive continues through December 6. Donation boxes are available throughout the Allendale, Pew Grand Rapids and Health campuses. Suggested items to donate range from laundry detergent to toothpaste to granola bars. 

Megan Daniels, a studio art major, has struggled to buy food and said she was grateful to access the resources at Replenish. Daniels was injured while hiking and unable to work during her recovery.

"I was definitely worried about food security and decided to use the resource of Replenish," Daniels said. "It helped take the weight off my shoulders to not worry so much about where my food was coming from. Replenish allows students to take care of their basic needs."

Read more about Replenish and Giving Tuesday in this Grand Valley Magazine article.