Laker Care Pantry
What is the Laker Care Pantry?
The Laker Care Pantry (Originally Laker Care Closet) was established in 2011 as an
initiative of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity to address food and clothing insecurities
on campus.
Now with two campus locations, the Laker Care Pantry is housed under Student Care
& Support, a unit within the Division of Student Affairs which provides non-clinical
case management to support students experience personal hardships that can interrupt
their path to academic success.
The Laker Care Pantry allows the Clayton State community the opportunity to serve its own population by providing resources designed to address food insecurity. The Laker Care Pantry is managed and staffed by Alpha Phi Omega under the direction of Student Care & Support.
What do we offer?
The Laker Care Pantry has perishable and nonperishable pantry items.
Nessie’s Necessities offers personal hygiene products, toiletries, school supplies and *infant supplies (when available)
How to Find Us
The Laker Care Pantry
Laker Care Pantry has two campus locations:
Care Center
Edgewater Hall Suite 245
Student Activities Center
1st floor Rm 106
Laker Care Pantry is located on the Clayton State University Campus in the Student Activities Center 1st floor room 106.
Spring 2026 Hours of Operation
Monday: 10–3 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 –3 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 –3 p.m.
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: 10 –3 p.m.
Please stop in the hours listed above. Because we are student staff and volunteer
run, there may be a time when we are closed during operating hours.
If the university is closed, Laker Care Pantry is closed.
What to Expect During Your Visit?
- Register as a new client
We use a new check-in system—register in advance so we can get your checked out quickly. - One visit per week
You can stop by once a week to stock up on essentials. - Pick up to 5 pantry items
Unless otherwise marked on the shelves, keep an eye out for signs. - Bring a shopping tote bag
Don't have one? First-time visitors get a free Care Center tote!
Frequently Asked Questions
When you visit the pantry for the first time, a volunteer will provide you with a quick questionnaire (for our records only to ensure we provide the needed services and retrieve demographic information) and request your Clayton State University Laker ID. For all following visits, we will only need your Laker ID.
Nothing! The Laker Care Pantry is a free resource for Clayton State University students. Our pantry is run solely on the generous donations of campus partners and community members.
Guests may visit the pantry once weekly and get a maximum of five (5) pantry items and three (3) toiletries and/or hygiene items.
Interested in Donating to the Laker Care Pantry?
The Laker Care Pantry is run solely on donations year-round. Interested individuals, departments, and student groups can support the Laker Care Pantry in several ways:
- Donate food, toiletries, and hygiene items
Here’s a list of commonly needed items:
List of items needed
Donations can be dropped off at the Care Center during operating hours. To learn more about the Care Center visit:
We are unable to accept homemade baked goods (bread, cookies), dented cans or crushed boxes, any used or opened containers, food items without expiration dates. - Donate by using the Amazon Wish List
Amazon Wish List and ship to the following address:
Care Center
2000 Clayton State Boulevard
Edgewater Hall Suite 245
Attn: Care Center
Morrow, GA 30260-0285 - Host a donation drive benefiting the Laker Care Pantry!
Let us know when you will host your donation drive, and we will be happy to assist with the pick up and/or transport of the items to the pantry. - Make a Monetary Donation
Every penny counts, and we appreciate any amount you can give! Make a monetary donation and selecting "Other Funds Not Listed" and list the "Care Center Fund" as the fund you wish to support.
For more information about the Laker Care Pantry or for questions about how you can
be involved, please contact:
Ariel Alston, MSW
Assistant Director Disability Services, Student Care & Support
Email Ariel Alston
Phone: (678) 466-5585
Sarah Ray
Assistant Dean of Students
Alpha Phi Omega Advisor
Email Sarah Ray
Phone: (678) 466-5445
Email the Laker Care Pantry or the Care Center if you have any questions
Refer a student who can use our services
Additional Resources
Laker Care Pantry is a part of Student Care & Support.
Visit us in the Care Center! The Care Center the hub for basic needs resources. The center is home to the Laker Care Pantry, Nessie’s Necessities (hygiene closet), Loch Swap Shop, and the Cozy Corner.
Clayton State University Health and Wellness Center have professional staff members available to assist.
Want to learn more about On-Campus Housing?
Did you know Clayton State University has a meal share program?
Support the student emergency fund.