UIW Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability Hosts Drives to Aid Community

UIW student groups - Student Government Association (SGA), Student Veterans' Association (SVA) and Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA) - recently collaborated with the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability, each organizing a drive in support of the Cardinals' Cupboard food pantry. The organizations gathered donations such as canned food, blankets and socks to contribute towards the pantry. Additionally, MTSA collected facial tissues, soup, tea and crackers to create "sick kits" for people to utilize when feeling ill.

"The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, specifically our namesake Sister Dot, believed wholeheartedly in the importance of civic responsibility as well as social justice locally and globally," said Rebecca Salazar, the Ettling Center's assistant director of Civic Engagement and Advocacy. "Our student groups across campus are comprised of amazing individuals who have the desire to create impact, and our office seeks to assist them in developing and facilitating their ideas, taking them from ideas to actions."

Salazar shared that these donations are intended to help students and community members who may be in need. The cost of food and medicinal supplies can be high, and resources from the Cardinals' Cupboard are meant to help make both food and medicinal aid accessible. The efforts of UIW students made it possible for 70 complete "sick kits" to be assembled, with more on the way soon.

Additionally, First Year Engagement (FYE) students worked with the Ettling Center to gather winter weather item such as coats, blankets and hats in support of Corazon Ministries, an organization that works to support marginalized people and San Antonio residents experiencing homelessness.

"Collaboration with FYE courses across departments is critical to meeting our students where they are," noted Salazar. "The access to students is invaluable as it provides insight into the areas in which they need support, and it gets professors and staff moving to connect to address issues that students are experiencing."

These collaborative efforts highlight the power of community engagement and the commitment of UIW students to supporting one another. By addressing food insecurity and providing essential supplies, the Ettling Center and student organizations are making a meaningful impact on the lives of their peers and the broader San Antonio community. Together, they demonstrate the importance of civic responsibility and social justice in action.

Click here to see how you too can donate to the Cardinals' Cupboard.