Thomas Gunter
Balancing school, work and family responsibilities is a challenge for many Victoria College students. For students like Maja Warmuth and Thomas Gunter, that balance is made a little easier thanks to VC’s Pirate Pantry (formerly JP’s Market).
Warmuth, a busy mom juggling school, parenting and everything in between, remembers how quickly the demands of life piled up when she first enrolled at VC.
“I’ve always had a lot of little jobs and decided I couldn’t do that forever,” she said. “So, I came to Victoria College to see what my options were. After visiting Financial Aid, I signed up for classes, and now I’m working toward my bachelor’s degree in science.”
She discovered the Pirate Pantry during a visit to her advisor in the Student Services Building. Curious, she stopped in and found an entire support system ready to help her succeed.
“It’s convenient and helpful on many different levels,” Warmuth said. “It really helps me grab stuff for dinner before picking up the kids from school. Toilet paper and laundry soap go a long way and help us save money week to week so we can take care of other things.”
For student Thomas Gunter, who is working toward his associate degree while juggling fatherhood, work and classes, the Pirate Pantry offers a vital boost of stability.
“There have been times when I just haven’t had enough,” Gunter said. “You’ve got other bills to pay, and something like the Pirate Pantry can help hold you over until the next paycheck.”
He especially appreciates the essential items.
“The things I use most are soap, laundry detergent and deodorant,” he added. “It’s a huge help when you’re on a tight budget. It makes me feel like VC is here for me, like I’m not in this alone.”
The Pirate Pantry provides actively enrolled VC students with 10 food items and three hygiene items each week at no cost, offering practical support that helps keep their academic and personal goals within reach.
The pantry is powered by community donations and generous support from the Victoria College Foundation. Donations can be delivered to Suite 103A in the Student Services Building, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Victoria College will be closed Nov. 24-28 for Fall Break.
On Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), the VC Foundation will raise funds to support the Pirate Pantry and help even more students stay on track. Donations can be made online at VictoriaCollegeFoundation.org.
Beginning in January, the Pirate Pantry will move to a larger space in VC’s new Student Success Center, providing expanded access and resources for students like Warmuth and Gunter who rely on the service each week.
