Donations are being sought for five efforts at Northwest that make an immediate and impactful difference to students: the Pay It Forward Fund, the Bearcat Food Pantry, Safe Ride Home Program, Career Closet and the We Gotchya Fund. Information about these efforts can be found below.
Pay It Forward
The Pay It Forward Fund provides assistance to Northwest students who are struggling financially while engaging them in the resources available to be successful financially, socially and academically. Such purposes include, but are not limited to, supplemental textbooks and course supplies, unexpected medical costs, tuition assistance and emergency transportation needs.
Safe Ride Home Program
The Safe Ride Home program is a safe and timely transportation service within the city limits of Maryville, MO, offered by students, for students at Northwest Missouri State University. Safe Ride Home provides a shuttle system so students can travel to various retail stores in Maryville throughout the week. It also offers a taxi service for late night transportation when students are in situations they feel are unsafe.
Bearcat Food Pantry
The Bearcat Food Pantry provides a source of food and necessities for Northwest students and employees. Items include canned, boxed and commercially packaged items that are in store-quality condition and are not outdated. Items such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese and packaged goods such as ramen noodles are popular with students. The Bearcat Food Pantry also offers personal hygiene items, including soap, shampoo, toilet tissue, feminine products and toothpaste. These are store-quality unopened packages.
We Gotchya Fund
We Gotchya Fund covers expenses related to offering free menstruation products in academic restrooms to help ensure students do not miss class due to period-related issues.
Career Closet
The Career Closet provides free, professional clothing to students in need. Support of the Career Closet can be made through monetary gifts to continue operations, as well as donations of new or used professional clothing.