Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment (CARE) Services at Kennesaw State University has received a $145,598 donation from Guanacaste Ventures, the foundation led by alumna Bree Pattillo. The funds will help CARE Services provide support for students dealing with food insecurity, housing instability, and other basic needs.
The donation is being used to expand access to resources for students who are homeless, financially unstable, or transitioning out of foster care. It also helps fund technology and transportation needs such as rideshare services for internships and practicums. Programs like Nourish the Nest and the CARE Pantry—which offer free groceries to students on both KSU campuses—will benefit from this support.
According to CARE Services, the funds were quickly used to buy much-needed pantry staples like milk, eggs, and meat. These items are less commonly donated but in high demand among students. All purchased supplies were distributed just before Thanksgiving.
Bree Pattillo said she was inspired by the mission of CARE Services and its effect on student well-being: “Motivated by CARE Services’ mission and its impact on students’ well-being, Pattillo elected to make a generous donation.”
In addition to her financial gift, Pattillo volunteered at a CARE Pantry restock day in November on the Kennesaw Campus.
Support for the pantry also increased during November through the Nourish the Nest Challenge. Organized by the Vice President of Student Affairs’ Kennesaw Excellence Society, this initiative involved five teams collecting food donations for students in need. The Full Nesters and Can Crushers teams contributed significantly during that month.
CARE Services remains focused on helping students overcome barriers related to basic needs so they can succeed academically. The organization provides information about its services online. The CARE Pantry operates from room 172 in Carmichael Student Center on the Kennesaw Campus and room 184 in Wilson Student Center on Marietta Campus.
