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Volunteer at Paws' Pantry and Paws' Closet

Volunteer at Paws' Pantry and Paws' Closet

Help build a stronger, healthier IUPUI community

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

Paws' 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.

Paws' Pantry is open for appointments three days a week: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Book your appointment online.

And you're welcome to shop Paws' Closet by appointment on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m.

Appointments for both locations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

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

Paws' Pantry and Paws' Closet rely heavily on student volunteers to make sure everyone who needs our services in the IUPUI community has the opportunity to shop with us.

As a volunteer, you can work the check-in and check-out table during operating hours, collect donations from the orange Paws' Pantry food crates and around campus, or sort donations.

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

Volunteer at Paws' Pantry Volunteer at Paws' Closet

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

You may bring your closet donations for Paws' Closet during one of our designated donation days, or fill out the closet donation form if you're wanting to donate outside of the designated days. One of our team members will follow up with you regarding your donation. In order to ensure we receive the clothing that we need and your clothing is donated appropriately, please do not leave clothes outside of Paws' Closet.

Questions can be sent to 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.

Paws’ Pantry wish list

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

Paws’ Closet wish list

New socks, new shoes/boots, and winter weather gear (coats, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.)
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 Paws' Pantry and Paws' 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