Donation drives are making a major impact on the Bear Pantry this November. 

Two separate events brought in 482 pounds of food—totaling 728 individual items—to be distributed to Bear Pantry members, strengthening food security on campus. 

During Halloween, nutrition and music Bears joined forces in a neighborhood-wide effort to support their campus community. Members of Mu Phi Epsilon and the Student Dietetic Association (SDA) partnered to build a bridge between the Rountree neighborhood and Missouri State University. 

The week before Halloween, students went door to door informing residents about the donation drive, giving them time to gather items. On Halloween night, 25 students took to the streets, greeted by smiling faces and generous hands as dozens of Rountree residents contributed food to help fellow Bears.

 

With the same spirit of generosity, the Laboratory Theatre Company (LTC) hosted a donation drive during their showing of Out!, written by MSU alum Arden Dickson. The production—focused on college student experiences—was paired with a meaningful opportunity to give back. For every performance, LTC partners with a local nonprofit to promote community engagement and social impact. 

Together, these collaborative efforts resulted in nutritious food going into the hands of Bear Pantry members, reinforcing the ongoing commitment of Missouri State students to support one another through service and compassion. 

Want to make an impact too? The Office of Enrollment Management is hosting a campus-wide donation drive, “Bears Can-Do”, to support food security amidst the growing challenges individuals are facing. Check out their blog to get involved. 

The Bear Pantry extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated. Your collaboration embodies what it means to be a Bear—supporting one another through action and compassion.