During the pandemic ‘miners take care of miners’

This season, in addition to making decisions to protect yourself and others amid the Covid-19 pandemic, there are many ways in which you can help the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) community. The UTEP Student Emergency Fund and Food Pantry are among campus fundraising efforts designed to make a difference for students by providing financial assistance and food. Facing financial challenges during the pandemic, helping them meet needs such as food and utility bills, and technology and internet costs necessary to continue learning online. However, demand for the fund continues to outpace supply as more than 100 students remain on the waiting list.

A gift to the Student Emergency Fund provides UTEP students with timely financial support that can help them stay on track for academic success.

“It is always wonderful to see the tremendous generosity of the Miner family,” said Gary Edens, Ph.D. of Education, Vice President of Student Affairs. “The support our donors provide to students not only helps pay a bill or feed a family, it also helps the student stay on the path to graduation. We have taken the Miners Take Care of Miners program very seriously this year and each donation seems to have more impact and is definitely needed. “

During the period from March to December 2020, the UTEP Food Pantry has served more than double the number of students it normally served. A donation to the UTEP Food Pantry will help ensure that students are not fighting food insecurity. During the holidays, the food pantry will assemble and distribute holiday food baskets to students in need. Dietary restrictions will be considered when baskets are assembled and pickup will be coordinated without contact with students.

“The response from our network of miners has been amazing,” said Jake Logan, vice president of institutional advancement. “From the moment we made the call to ask for support from our needy students, the alumni and friends of UTEP were there to answer the call. This has been an especially difficult year, and a relatively small amount of money can go a long way in helping our students complete their education, allowing them to join our proud network of mining alumni. “

Health commitment

In addition to monetary donations, the campus asks all miners to make the “Miners Pledge” to foster a healthy and safe community. Use the hashtag #minerspledge on social media to share how you are doing your part to curb the spread of Covid-19, whether it’s wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings, being proactive with testing for Covid-19. or maintaining social distancing. Make the Miners’ Pledge today!

If you are looking for another way to help, consider giving the “gift of life” and donating blood. Although the University cannot conduct blood drive drives on campus at this time, the need for blood donations continues in the community. Make an appointment to donate blood at a Vitalant center or at a community blood drive.

Stakeholders can see more of UTEP’s efforts to address student needs, show your support, and choose your project at pickaproject.utep.edu

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