August 26, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University faculty and staff opened the 2025-26 academic year by making a powerful statement of support for VU students. A highly successful donation drive for Sandy’s Pantry, a vital resource providing VU students free non-perishable food and personal hygiene items, resulted in contributions totaling more than $2,307 and 1,220 items.

The pantry represents an effectual partnership between St. John’s United Church of Christ and VU. Together, they are ensuring that VU students can focus on their academic goals without the added burden of food insecurity and have constant access to a resource in a welcoming, judgment-free space, which will help them thrive.

VU Director of University Events and Special Projects Laura Carie said, “Sandy’s Pantry is for VU students, and this incredible outpouring of support shows how dedicated our University Community is to meeting their needs. We are committed to doing all we can to support student success, and we are incredibly grateful to St. John’s United Church of Christ for partnering with us to make this resource possible for VU students.”

Any VU student with a valid ID may select up to 25 food items and eight personal hygiene items per month. The pantry is conveniently located at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 606 N. 5th St, only five blocks from the Vincennes Campus.

During the 2025 Fall Semester, Sandy’s Pantry is open to VU students on Sept. 9, Sept. 11, Oct. 14, Oct. 16, Nov. 11, and Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ET). Students can bring a backpack. Plastic bags are also available.

For more information about Sandy’s Pantry, call 812-­882-­2720 between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (ET).

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