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The Haven Cupboard at CU-Lock Haven receives overwhelming support during fall events

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (01/15/2026) — During the fall semester, the Haven Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, received an abundance of support during the fall 2025 semester in the form of physical and monetary donations, from the campus and surrounding communities, university leadership and alumni.

In October, the cupboard welcomed university leadership alongside community partners for a special visit. Dr. Jeffery Osgood, CU interim president and Dan Knorr, chief of staff, toured the Haven Cupboard to meet with staff, volunteers and the 103 students served that evening.

Also featured that evening was a Diversity Cupcake Decorating Event, co-hosted by Judith Harry, assistant director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and a visit from Reed Mellinger, learning center director with therapy dog Bomber.

Following a successful homecoming weekend of fundraising, the Haven Cupboard - collecting $196 in downtown Lock Haven and $428 at the football stadium through canning efforts - the Nu Phi Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha Psi presented a $1,100 check to the Haven Cupboard during halftime at the football game. A total of more than $1,700 was raised.

The canning and donation drive involved a mix of students, alumni and CU staff members including Lexi Frei, Jayleigh Figurski, Shannon Louszko, Rona Houser, Amy Downes, Kelly Hibbler, Blair Brown and Taylor Tyczka. In total, seven volunteers and two alumni participated in the efforts, helping raise awareness and funds to support students facing food insecurity.

In November, the Haven Cupboard received donations collected during this year's annual Hunger Bowl event. The competition across campus to see which group of students and faculty or staff can collect the most non-perishable food items is held every October at CU-Lock Haven. This year, Stevenson Library collected the most items for staff at 2,548 items, and the Social Work Club was the student winning group, collecting 309 items. In total, the Hunger Bowl garnered 4,007 items, amounting in 1,301.4 pounds of donations for the Haven Cupboard.

The cupboard also received a surprise visit from students and staff from Lock Haven Catholic School, who delivered 310.9 pounds of food they collected, as well as a monetary donation to benefit CU students through the cupboard.

Following another successful Food for Fines event, organized by CU campus police departments, the Haven Cupboard was the recipient of 220 canned food donations that also resulted in the dismissal of 44 parking tickets. This is an annual event run by the campus police around the holidays to provide an opportunity for students to turn their tickets into donations to benefit the cupboard and their fellow classmates.

The Haven Cupboard continues to serve as a vital resource at CU-Lock Haven, offering food, personal care items and other essentials at no cost to current students. These combined efforts by staff, alumni and community partners ensure the program can continue supporting Lock Haven's commitment to student well-being and success.

The Haven Cupboard is located at 340 W. Main St., and donations are accepted during all hours of operation or by contacting the cupboard at havencupboard@lockhaven.edu.

Media Attachments

Dr. Jeff Osgood, CU interim president (third from right), and Dan Knorr, chief of staff (second from right), with Haven Cupboard volunteers and CU staff.

Haven Cupboard student volunteers, Talon and Kelly Hibbler, Haven Cupboard manager, canning during the Bald Eagle homecoming football game.

Members of the Nu Phi Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha Psi present Haven Cupboard volunteers with a check for $1,100 during halftime at the Bald Eagle homecoming football game.

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