Time for a closet/cabinet clean out? URI Women’s Center sponsoring initiative with Rhody Outpost and Center for Military and Veteran Education

KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 6, 2026 – In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 16–20, the University of Rhode Island Women’s Center is coordinating an upcoming initiative with Rhody Outpost to support both military veterans in need and the University’s student food pantry.

As Thanksgiving Break approaches, the Women’s Center is encouraging campus departments and offices to participate in a collection drive by requesting a donation bin for nonperishable food items and/or organizing a collection of new or gently used, clean warm clothing.

All food donations will be provided to Rhody Outpost for distribution to campus food access locations across campus, including the Women’s Center’s 24-hour Basic Needs Pantry, located outside the center.

Warm clothing donations will benefit local veterans through the Women’s Center’s partnership with URI’s Center for Military and Veteran Education.

The Women’s Center is also working with the University’s Center for Military and Veteran Education to do a closet drive for warm clothes for veterans. (URI Photo / Nicholas Phillips)

“We hope to engage departments and offices from across campus in this effort to support Rhody Outpost,” Women’s Center Director Ana Barraza said. “This is a meaningful opportunity for the URI community to come together, support individuals experiencing food and housing insecurity, and extend a little extra care to our local veteran community as we enter the holiday season. We invite the entire community to support us in this initiative.”

Departments interested in participating can contact the Women’s Center at women@etal.uri.edu to request a food collection bin by Nov. 13. Women’s Center student staff will deliver bins to designated campus offices and coordinate collection of donations during regular business hours; bins will be collected before Nov. 22.

Individuals who wish to contribute but do not have access to a designated collection bin can contact the Women’s Center directly to arrange to drop off their donations or request a pickup.

Individuals may also make monetary donations directly to the Rhody Outpost by visiting the Rhody Outpost donation page. The community food pantry is open to any student in need, providing fresh and non-perishable food and personal care items at no charge. URI community members can also visit the Outpost’s running needs list for the latest updates and needs.

Follow @rhodyoutpost.urifoodsecurity and @uriwomenscenter for updates.