**Thank you for considering a donation to the Cougar Cupboard!** Your generosity allows us to support students facing food insecurity by providing essential items. We accept donations of food, toiletries, school supplies, and more—as long as they are unopened and in good condition. Every contribution counts!
Our primary inventory comes from **the Houston Food Bank**, but your donations help us fill in the gaps with vital items not regularly available. **Your support is crucial** to ensuring we can provide comprehensive assistance to those in need.
If you’re ready to make a difference, donations can be dropped off at the **Center for Student Advocacy & Community** during our open hours. Have a larger donation (over 20 items)? Please **email us at [email protected]** to schedule a drop-off time. Interested in donating perishable items? Make sure to reach out to us before bringing them in!
Thinking about hosting a donation drive? **We’d love to partner with your organization!** For questions or collaboration opportunities, contact us at [email protected]. Whether you’re collecting food or necessities, your initiative helps raise awareness and support.
**Most Needed Items**
- Cooking oil
- Spices
- Vegetable and chicken broth
- Canned chicken, beans, corn, mixed vegetables, and potatoes
- Canned soups
- Shelf-stable milk
- Long-grained white rice
- Pasta & pasta sauce
- Snack items
- Non-perishable microwavable meals
- Lentils
- Granola bars
- Bottled water
- Sanitary pads
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Dish & hand soap
- Cleaning spray
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Can openers
- Notebooks
- Pens and pencils
- Highlighters
- Planners
- Folders and binders
- Sticky notes
- Staplers
We also gratefully accept **monetary donations!** To contribute, **text “Cupboard” to 71-777 or visit our Support Cougar Cupboard fundraiser page**. Here’s how your contributions can make a real impact:
- **$250** = 450 canned or microwavable meals
- **$500** = 400 cartons of milk (plus previous items)
- **$1,000** = 900 bags of rice (plus previous items)
- **$1,500** = 350 bars of soap & 250 bottles of shampoo (plus previous items)
- **$2,000** = 300 toothpaste/toothbrush kits + 300 cleaning sprays (plus previous items)
- **$5,000** = double all previous items, with added essentials
- **$10,000** = a new student worker for one year!
If you’re donating by check, please make it payable to the University of Houston and add “Cougar Cupboard” in the memo section.
**Your support of the Cougar Cupboard is invaluable! Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of our students!**
