The CHSS Challenge: Let’s make a difference together!
As the holiday season approaches, CHSS invites faculty and staff to come together for our annual CHSS Gives Back Food and Personal Care Donation Drive, supporting George Mason University students experiencing food insecurity.
- Donation Collection: November 9–20, 2026
- Donation Delivery: Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at 11 a.m.
- Drop-Off Location: CHSS Dean’s Office Reception Area
During the university’s winter break (December 21—January 3), the Patriot Pantry will be closed, leaving more than 50 students without access to this important resource. We want to help bridge that gap and remind our students that their Mason community cares about them.
Our goal is to provide each student with two bags of essentials: one filled with food and another with personal care items. With your generosity, we can help make their winter break a little easier for students in need.
How you can help:
Participating is easy! Donate a food bag, a personal care bag, or both.
- Fill a reusable shopping bag with the items listed in the donation checklists below.
- Drop off your donations at the Dean’s Office Reception Area between November 9 and November 20.
- Help us deliver the donations! Wear your CHSS shirt and join us as we deliver our donations to the Patriot Pantry on Wednesday, December 2, at 11 a.m.
Donation Checklist
To help ensure students receive a variety of essential supplies, please use the following checklists when packing your donation bags.
Food Assistance Bag (include all items):
- Canned soup or chili
- Canned vegetables or beans
- Canned tuna or chicken
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Rice or instant rice packets
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cereal (small box) or instant oatmeal
- Peanut butter or nut butter
- Crackers or granola bars
- Shelf-stable milk or nondairy alternative (carton)
Personal Hygiene Bag (include all items):
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel or regular size)
- Soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, liners)
- Lotion or moisturizer
- Disposable razors
- Shaving cream
- Tissues
Sign up to participate!
To help us coordinate donations and ensure we have enough for every student, please sign up using our CHSS Gives Back SignUpGenius.
Small Acts of Kindness Make a Big Difference
Every donation helps us reach our goal of supporting more than 50 Mason students during winter break. Whether you contribute one bag or several, your generosity will make a meaningful difference.
Let's show our students what it means to be part of the CHSS community. Together, we can make this year's CHSS Gives Back drive another success!