Kalamazoo Valley Community College Shares Medical Supplies and Surplus Food with Area Organizations

As the Kalamazoo community unites to help neighbors in need, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is doing its part to share resources during this unprecedented crisis. “We take the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff seriously,” said college President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D. “Except for those directly involved with public safety, facilities and core business-related operations, all employees are working from home. At the same time, it is important for us to respond to the wider community impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. We decided to donate excess college resources to the community.”

The college’s food service vendor, Aramark, provides prepared meals and snacks at the Texas Township Campus. Many of its supplies are perishable. Earlier this week, a small group from the college community loaded its ValleyHUB truck for a delivery to the Comstock Community Center’s Food Pantry.

The pantry, located at 6330 King Highway, Kalamazoo, is one of a handful still operating in the community. Food is distributed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. on a walk-in basis. Executive Director of the Comstock Community Center, Mary Gustas, said the donation from Kalamazoo Valley was greatly appreciated. “It was truly a gift,” she said, noting that fresh vegetables and chocolate milk were among the offerings. “The people who received those items were truly excited,” Gustas said. She noted that college students are welcome to use the food pantry. An ID is required.

In a similar effort, Kalamazoo Valley is sharing its extra sterile medical masks, gloves, gowns and other personal protection equipment, originally purchased for use in the chemistry and sciences programs and in the labs for health careers training, with local hospitals and health-related service suppliers. “We donated most items to the Kalamazoo County Health Department for distribution to medical and first responder organizations in the county,” said Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Operations Mike Collins. “We also donated Isolation gowns to Bronson because of their critical shortage.”

“I’ve been impressed by faculty support of these initiatives,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Services Peter Linden. “These donations model care and concern for the community, serving as examples for our student scientists, brewers, chefs, nurses, medical assistants, emergency service providers, dental hygienists and respiratory therapists.”

Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) concerns, Kalamazoo Valley Community College buildings are closed to the public until April 27. Online and remote learning and student support services continue to be available for students enrolled in winter semester classes. See more information at kvcc.edu/coronavirus.