Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s George County Center has opened a food pantry that is available to students at the center that are in need of supplies.  The Helping Paws Food Pantry, sponsored by the center’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, is open Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. – noon.

“After hearing about the positive response to the food pantry at the Jackson County Campus, the GCC Phi Theta Kappa students decided this was a critical need at our campus, also,” said Gabbie Long, Phi Theta Kappa chapter president.  “We are aware that food insecurity is a plight many face on campus and we want to ensure our students have a way to get help when they need it.”

Students in need of supplies are asked to contact Ciara Churchwell, student support representative, or Will Overstreet, the evening/weekend coordinator, for assistance at 60.766.6420.  “They may also talk to an instructor on campus, if that’s more comfortable for them,” Long said. “All information is keep confidential.”

Long said donations are accepted and anyone can donate to the pantry. Donations can be either credited or anonymous. “We are asking for can food, box meals, toiletries, hygiene products and other household essentials,” she said.

Donations can be delivered to Churchwell and Overstreet.