WVU School of Nursing, Lilly’s Heart Pantry come together to support Mercer County community
PRINCETON, W.Va. – In a show of community collaboration, the WVU School of Nursing's Student Nurses' Association (SNA), has partnered with Lilly’s Heart Pantry in Princeton to provide much-needed food and supplies to the residents of Mercer County. The efforts are especially timely, considering recent flooding and power outages experienced throughout the region.
This joint effort is aimed at addressing the critical issue of food insecurity in the region, offering support to families in need, while promoting health and well-being across the community.
As a cornerstone of support in Mercer County for several years, Lilly’s Heart Pantry provides essential items such as non-perishable food, hygiene products, and household supplies to individuals and families facing hardship. With a growing number of residents relying on the pantry’s services, the collaboration between the pantry and the nursing students is proving to be a great support.
The nursing students will take an active role in this partnership by organizing donation drives and encouraging students to participate in volunteer opportunities at the pantry. Their efforts, combined with the support of faculty members, will help ensure that the pantry remains well-stocked and able to meet the increasing demand moving toward the winter months.
“The need in Mercer County is greater than ever, and we are proud to work alongside our friends at Lilly’s Heart Pantry,” said Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at the WVU School of Nursing.
To support the ongoing efforts of Lilly’s Heart Pantry, the WVU School of Nursing and the SNA have set up an Amazon Wish List where community members can easily donate items directly to the pantry. The wish list includes food, hygiene products, and other essential supplies that are regularly needed by those who rely on the pantry’s services.
“Knowing that nursing students are engaging in ways that support local community members continues to strengthen my trust of nurses” said Sherry Phillips, Pastor of New Covenant Church of Princeton.
Through this collaboration, nursing students are helping to alleviate hunger in Mercer County but are also fostering a sense of community and service. The partnership highlights the importance of community engagement in nursing education, ensuring that future healthcare providers understand the value of service to the community.
“This is a great opportunity for the SNA to reach out to members of the community,” said Dr. Christy Barnhart, SNA Advisor. “The state of West Virginia has many needs, so this is their opportunity to give back and to develop those nursing skills of compassion and caring and advocacy for people in the community, as these are the people that they're going to be taking care of.”
To show your support, view the Amazon wishlist online.
-WVU-
bc/9/30/24
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; Wendy. Holdren@hsc.wvu.edu