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Volunteer at Paw’s Pantry and Paw's Closet

Volunteer at Paw’s Pantry and Paw's Closet

Help build a stronger, healthier IUPUI community

Did you know Paw’s Pantry and Paw's Closet are run by students like you? It’s true.

Founded in 2013, the food pantry is dedicated to helping relieve food insecurity inside the IUPUI community. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to shop once a week using a limit system.

Paw's Closet became our latest effort, added in 2018. It's dedicated to helping relieve your financial burdens related to purchasing clothes. All IUPUI students can shop with us twice a month according to our limit system.

Paw's Pantry is open three days a week—Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (students only) and Thursday from noon until 6 p.m. (all IUPUI community members welcome). And you're welcome at Paw's Closet twice a week—Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.

With so much happening, we could really use your help to keep it going.

1 in 5IUPUI freshmen are below the poverty line and considered food insecure

150+IUPUI community members use the pantry each week

16,000+pantry items have been distributed to the Jaguar community

Volunteer your time

Because Paw’s Pantry and Paw's Closet rely heavily on student volunteers, we need your help to make sure everyone who needs our services in the IUPUI community has the opportunity to shop with us.

We are always looking for reliable, dedicated volunteers to work with us. As a volunteer, you can work the check-in and check-out table during operating hours, collect donations from the orange Paw’s Pantry food crates and around campus, or sort donations.

For Paw's Pantry, all we ask is that you sign up for a minimum of 10 hours (five two-hour shifts) over the course of the semester and that you don’t sign up for a shift that you can’t complete.

And don’t worry—when you show up for your first shift, we’ll make sure someone is there to show you the ropes.

Bring us your donations

Don’t have time to volunteer? We’re also happy to take donations!

Donate food

You can drop food donations off in any of the orange crates located around campus or bring them to the pantry during normal operating hours. Our pantry includes refrigerator and freezer space, so we’re happy to accept fresh food and produce.

Donate clothing

Bring your clothing donations to any of the collection sites around campus, including Campus Center 270 or BS 3025, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you need to make your food donation outside of our business hours, please send an email to jagsfood@iupui.edu to schedule a time. Clothing donations outside of those hours can be arranged by contacting pcloset@iupui.edu.

Note about donating fresh and frozen food

We normally only accept fresh and frozen donations during operational Pantry hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. However, you can also bring your donations to CE 270 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Paw’s Pantry Wishlist

Packaged goods

Baking items
Boxed dinner kits
Canned fruit
Canned meats and protein
Canned vegetables
Frozen meals
Gluten-free items
Juice
Microwavable items
Single-serving items

Fresh foods

Apples
Bananas
Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Corn

Frozen fruits and vegetables
Garlic
Green beans
Melons
Onions
Pears
Potatoes
Squash

Paw's Closet Wishlist and Guidelines

Gently used, contemporary, and clean clothing from a non-smoking home
Casual patterned or plain tops
T-shirts and polos with limited logos and business names
Jeans, khakis, slacks, dress capris, skirts, and dresses
Casual and professional footwear
Purses, neckties, scarves, and jewelry (except earrings)
Business attire, including pant or skirt suits, jackets, blouses, and button-down shirts

Make a financial gift

Help Paw’s Pantry and Paw's Closet from wherever you are by making a financial gift. We’ll use 100 percent of your donation to buy food and clothing.

Make a gift