TU campus partners create care packages for holiday season

December 20, 2021

Understanding that some members of the Towson University community don’t get to go home through the holidays and winter break, various offices around the campus have created care packages.

The TU Counseling Center and several campus organizations came together to create the packages, which include resources addressing needs such as food insecurity, emergency shelter information, health care and mental health services, and suggestions for low- and no-cost activities.

Students can sign up to reserve a care package. Supplies are limited and packages will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We will be distributing care packages and resource guides for students who may find themselves feeling lonely or in need of support this winter,” says G Wei Ng, staff psychologist and diversity coordinator for the TU Counseling Center. “Additionally, there will be in-person programming in January where students can connect with each other to ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness over the long winter break.”

The Counseling Center partnered with the Center for Student Diversity (CSD), the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO), Housing & Residence Life (HRL), and the Division of Student Affairs for other items donated to the care packages.

"We could not have pulled off this outreach program in such a short time without their support," says Ng, adding that CSD staff members joined the Counseling Center staff in making affirmation cards and putting together the care packages.

Going forward, the Office of Student Activities will also be joining the various offices in planning and rolling out in-person programming, such as movie and game nights in January.

Ng says the winter break is not the only time to make a difference.

"The holiday season includes those who are survivors of tragedies, those with health issues, those who are in hospitals or nursing homes, those who are not religious, those who have unique families, and those who have had losses thus are grieving," says Ng. "To create an inclusive environment for people during the holidays, we need to be sensitive to our different faiths/religions and remember that not all people 'celebrate' a certain occasion. We can always increase our mindfulness of how to connect with others who are different from us, or for those where the winter holidays might trigger feelings of grief and loss, loneliness, or disconnection."

Students can also reach out to the Counseling Center (410-704-2512) or the Division of Student Affairs (410-704-2055) if they choose not to get a care package but would like a copy of the resource list.

From Jan. 6 – 27, the TU FoodShare will be open by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays and a remote pick-up model will be available. Email foodshare AT_TOWSON to schedule an appointment.