How students and residents can play a vital role in local service efforts
Volunteering is more than just a line on a resume; it’s how the UW and Laramie community come together to meet real needs and build real connections. From food pantries to nursing homes, these opportunities give everyone a chance to serve and belong.
The Pokes Food Share Pantry, located in the Wyoming Union, room 012, is open to all students, staff, and faculty and offers fresh food, non-perishables, personal hygiene items, and household goods. Donations can be made at the Dean of Students Office (Knight Hall 128), across from the Union Info Desk, or directly at the Pantry. Current hours for Fall 2025 are Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 p.m. through 4:30 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 12:00 p.m. through 2:00 pm., with Monday, Saturday, and Sunday closed. Volunteering, hosting a drive, or making financial contributions are easy ways to help ensure no UW community member goes without.
Off-campus, the Laramie Soup Kitchen offers hot, nutritious meals weekdays at no cost and welcomes volunteers to serve, clean, and build relationships. Located at 104 S. 4th St. in the lower level of St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the kitchen is open Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), with hot meals served 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Students needing community service hours or simply looking to contribute can sign up for weekday shifts, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
There are many other ways to help the community, as multiple other organizations also invite participation, such as the Laramie Interfaith, which runs a food pantry and case-management services, welcoming volunteers and donations at 712 E. Canby St. Feeding Laramie Valley is another organization, which operates a 24-hour donation drop-off at 968 N. 9th St. and distributes fresh produce weekly.
Beyond food services, students and community members can support nursing homes, retirement facilities, and daycare centers where companionship is as valuable as assistance. Whether it’s reading to a resident, helping with senior activities, or tutoring children, these moments build personal connections and strengthen Laramie’s care network.
There are many ways to get started when it comes to volunteering. It’s important to start by deciding and picking a cause that an individual cares about, whether it be food security, elder care, or youth services. Secondly, one should reach out to the organization’s volunteer contact or online sign-up. Then, an individual should consider inviting classmates, friends, or a student organization to join as well, as service is more fun when sharing the love with others. Finally, one should consider scheduling a drive or donation collection; for example, the Pokes Pantry encourages hosting food drives via the “Friends of Food Security” WyoGroups listing.
Every act, big or small, adds up to great amounts. When a student drops off hygiene items for the pantry, volunteers at the Soup Kitchen, or reads to a senior, the impact ripples wider than what one can see. It helps create a campus and community where no one feels excluded and where “help” means connection, dignity, and belonging.
Whether a student is stepping into the Union basement to stock the Pokes Pantry shelves or signing up for a Friday lunch shift at the Soup Kitchen, their time and efforts matter. By volunteering, donating, and collaborating, students and residents alike build a stronger, more caring Laramie. In a world that often moves too fast, these acts bring not just help, but hope.
