Clayton State Campus Community Comes Together to Support the Laker Care Pantry Food Drive

(January 20, 2026) - As Clayton State University begins a new semester, the impact of the recent Laker Care Pantry Food Drive continues to be felt across campus. Held during the final weeks of the fall term, the drive brought together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners in a collective effort to support students facing food insecurity and other basic needs challenges. 

“With rising costs of living and increasing demands on college students nationwide, access to food, clothing, and essential items remains a critical component of student success,” according to Sarah Ray, Assistant Dean of Students at Clayton State University. “We are very pleased to share that our food drive resulted in fully replenished pantry shelves and significant financial contributions, ensuring that the Laker Care Pantry and Care Center are well-positioned to support students at the start of the spring semester.”

Throughout the drive, departments, divisions, and student organizations across campus demonstrated a strong commitment to caring for one another. One standout example came from student leaders in Alpha Lambda Delta, who coordinated with a local nonprofit to donate hundreds of pounds of food to the pantry. Their leadership and initiative reflected Clayton State’s culture of service and community support. 

Several campus and community partnerships also played a key role in the food drive's success. Dining Services contributed a $500 grand prize for the Laker Care Pantry Food Drive Competition for student organizations. Public Safety continued its annual “Ticket to Give” tradition, collecting food donations to support students directly. Auxiliary Services worked with external partners to secure generous contributions from local food vendors. At the same time, the Alumni Board raised more than $5,000 for the Student Emergency Fund to assist students facing unexpected financial hardship. In addition, the Southern Crescent Pearls Foundation donated $1,300 to support the Laker Care Pantry’s ability to respond to immediate needs.  

Sarah Ray expressed deep appreciation for the widespread support shown during the drive. She noted that the generosity of the campus community directly and meaningfully impacts students’ well-being, reducing stress and helping them focus on their academic goals. 

Whether through donating items, coordinating contributions within offices or organizations, or giving personally, Ray emphasized that every act of support made a difference. The collective response, she shared, is a powerful reminder that at Clayton State, community is not just a value spoken about but one actively lived. 

The Student Care & Support Team looks forward to continuing this work alongside the campus community, ensuring that students know they are supported and not alone as they pursue their education.