Mount Hood

Student Success Center

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The beginning of Winter term was marked by the opening of the Student Success Center — SSC. Construction of the building started August 2023, and it was finally open to the public Jan. 6th, 2025. 

The new building was built on the foundation of the previous Education building, which was the primary place for education students before the Richard Woodcock Education Center opened in 2016. 

The SSC is located on Monmouth Avenue next to Hamersly Library. It has the charm of Western’s brick buildings, but with a modern twist. A balcony furnished with tables and chairs overlooks the central street on campus. 

The SSC is now home to many preexisting programs, including the Math Center, Student Success and Advising general tutoring, Center for Professional Pathways, Multicultural Student Services and Programs, Student Enrichment Program, Disability Access Services and more.

“This Student Success Center will be a key building as we continue to support our students, including many first generation and historically underserved students,” President Jesse Peters said in a July 2023 press release. “Creating a building that will champion our students’ needs all in one space is instrumental to our university’s mission.”

Brianna Jones, an educational adviser now located in the SSC, advises students with documented disabilities as well as low income and first-generation students. 

“We help with registration for classes, academic projectors, financial literacy and financial aid assistance … and a little bit of everything,” Jones said.

Before the SSC, Jones worked in the Student Advising Center on Church Street. “It’s nice to have a space that’s ours, has more open space and has the opportunity to give students a place to hang out, study and have a place of their own.”

A first-generation student center is on the first floor of the SSC. “It’s a lounge area,” Jones said. “That’s a place where they can go to use the computer lab … and then it has a little patio where they can see a little pond. We call it the retention pond.” The first-generation area will also eventually have a TV to play movies for students.

Dana Nunez-Silva is Western’s first gen coordinator. The first-generation area is “specifically for our TRIO and first-gen students, but anybody is welcome,” Nunez-Silva said. “It’s a space to build community more intentionally than the space that we were able to have before.”

The SSC has an open concept, which helps with connecting every program in the building. The large windows let in natural light that makes the building feel more homely. 

“I’m very excited about having this new space,” Nunez-Silva said. “I really like how it facilitates connection and community a lot more than the space we had previously … Students should visit the new building because it is, in my opinion, unlike any other building on campus.” 

Although the building is not fully furnished yet, it is still open to students who want to study, meet with advisers and tutors or socialize with other students.

Jan. 8, a FAFSA completion workshop was held in the SCC. In the future, the building will be the hotspot for workshops and other events. Nunez-Silva has plans to create “accountability hours” in the SSC, which will be a designated time and place for students to do their work. 

“Something I want to do in collaboration with the tutoring center is the accountability hours,” Nunez-Silva said. “It’s essentially (a set) time to be held accountable by your peers. Think about it as a quiet community that comes in all at one time to do homework.”

The new building will also eventually host meetings for the Tri-Alpha Honor Society. Nunez-Silva also hopes to host peer mentoring in the future, and also possibly designated first-generation peer mentoring. 

This new building is a breath of fresh air for students and staff alike. “It’s something new and different,” Nunez-Silva said. 

The SSC is the home-base for any resources students might need, from tutoring and advising to studying and socializing. “It’s meant to be a one-stop shop for students that don’t know where to start,” Nunez-Silva said. All students have a variety of needs, and it is difficult to know how to go about getting those needs fulfilled. The SSC has many of the resources available to students, all in one place. 

“Take advantage of this space,” Nunez-Silva said. “Take advantage of the resources and the advisers.” The advisers, tutors and other staff all share the same goal of supporting students and helping them reach their full potential. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Woods’ legacy continues

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The legendary Tiger Woods has recently shared the spotlight with his 15-year-old son, Charlie Woods, during several outings on the golf course. The pair has captivated the golfing community while also showcasing an inseparable bond between a father and a son through their shared passion for the sport.
The Professional National Championship — PNC — which is an annual event that pairs major champions with family members, has been a huge platform for the Woods duo. In December 2024, Tiger and Charlie gave fans an impressive performance, shooting a 13-under-par 59 in the opening round, putting them in a strong position. By the end of the championship, Tiger and Charlie finished in second place after a playoff against Team Langer.
One of the most significant moments during the tournament was Charlie’s first hole-in-one. On the par-three fourth hole at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, he hit a perfect shot with a seven iron from 175 yards. Charlie’s insane play was met with celebration from the fans and his father, creating a memory that will likely never be forgotten.
And if one child wasn’t enough, Tiger’s daughter, Sam Woods, also participated in the event. Serving as a caddie for her father and brother, Sam’s involvement added another layer to the family dynamic of the PNC Championship. Tiger has often expressed the significance of these family moments, emphasizing the joy of playing alongside his children and witnessing their growth within the sport.
Throughout his career, Tiger Woods has been open about his experiences balancing fatherhood with his professional career. He has shared insights into guiding Charlie’s development, highlighting the importance of allowing his son to carve his own path in the sport. Yes, Tiger will always be remembered as one of the greats, but his goal for his son Charlie is to make a name for himself, regardless of who his father is. As Charlie continues to develop his skills and gain competitive experience, the golfing world will continue to watch with keen interest. The father-son pair offers fans a glimpse into the potential future of golf, where the Woods legacy may continue through the next generation.
Beyond the PNC Championship, Charlie has been making notable strides in his golfing journey. In June 2024, he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship after winning a qualifying event with a score of 71. Although he didn’t end up making the cut in the championship, his participation at such a competitive level at a young age speaks volumes about his potential and mentality.
In February 2024, Charlie entered his first pre-qualifying tournament for a PGA Tour event, the Cognizant Classic. Unfortunately, he did not secure a spot, but the experience gave him valuable exposure to some of the factors of professional-level competition, adding more fuel to his fire to pursue the sport.Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Inter-tribal tensions hit all-time high

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

Nov. 20, 2024, the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs notified Oregon officials that it would give its final environmental impact statement regarding an off-reservation casino that the Coquille Indian Tribe wishes to build in Medford, Oregon. 

The Coquille Indian Tribe is one of nine federally recognized tribes in the state of Oregon. It is located in southern Coos County, with its reservation in Bandon, Barview, Coos Bay and North Bend communities. In May of 1995, the Coquille opened their casino, called The Mill Casino, which sits on the North Bend waterfront and is built into an old plywood mill the tribe purchased in the early ‘90s. 

Some of the tribe have protested one main issue, the Coquille’s bid to build their proposed casino roughly 170 miles outside their reservation. More complaints have arisen from how it could take revenue from casinos in southern Oregon and northern California, one of which is just 70 miles north of the proposed Medford site. 

Seven Feather Casino and Resort sits just off of the I-5 in Canyonville, Oregon, and is owned and operated by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, whose members are the loudest opponents of the proposed casino. 

“The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and more than 30 other tribes have been fighting for months to be heard about the devastating impacts mass off-reservation casino approvals will have on Indian Country, only to be dismissed and ignored,” said Cow Creek Chairwoman Carla Keene. “We have requested — even pleaded — to be seen, heard and consulted with on the decisions being made by bureaucrats in D.C. that will devastate our tribal communities.”

While federal law allows for tribes to build casinos on tribal lands acquired before 1988, the law also has allowances for disadvantaged tribes, such as the Coquille Indian Tribe, that have limited federal lands. The law, however, also states that tribes must show modern and ancestral connections to the land they propose to build on.

While it is clear that the Coquille Indian Tribe is disadvantaged, their connection to land in Medford is unclear. 

The Coquille Indian Tribe bases its claims on a study — titled “Coquille Trails: Early Historical Roads and Trails of Ancestral Coquille Indian Lands, 1826 – 1875” — that began in 2006, meant to investigate and publish a “cultural geography” of the modern Coquille tribe. The report was completed in 2012, the same year the Coquille proposed their Medford casino. 

Scholars and historians who lobby against the Coquille Indian Tribe’s newest claim of presence in the Rogue River watershed point to the languages the tribes of the area spoke — specifically Takelma and Shasta languages — which are not related to the ancestral languages of the Coquille — Athpascan and Kusan. Additionally, scholars have pointed out there is no documentation of Coquille villages or tribal occupation before 1950, when a tribal member attended Southern Oregon University. 

One such scholar is Stephen Dow Beckham, a Coos Bay native and American history scholar, well-known for his work with Natives in the Pacific Northwest. His book, “The Indians of Western Oregon: This Land Was Theirs,” shares some of the most detailed history of Western Native tribes, and was written along with help from Coquille, Siuslaw and Lower Umpqua — the latter two a part of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw — tribal council members. 

Beckham disputes the Coquille’s claim of ancestral land and notes that the study “includes lands demonstrably not occupied or used by the ancestors of the modern Coquille Tribe. The inflation of the study area to 1.4 million acres … is a significant error (of the study).”

Regardless, the Coquille are waiting on the final approval for the proposed Medford casino following a 30-day public comment period. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Karuk Tribe and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation opted to sue.

The lawsuit, filed Dec. 23, 2024, named the federal Department of the Interior, Biden administration officials and the secretary of the interior, Deb Haaland, as defendants. It claimed that the approval of the proposed casino is unconstitutional because it relies on invalid federal regulations specified by the Council on Environmental Quality, as well as alleging Haaland did not properly consult with tribes who oppose the casino. The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order against the defendants as well as aiming to stop the Medford casino from moving forward. 

“Cow Creek has since attempted multiple times to consult with the Secretary herself and with the Interior as directed by the White House and has gotten nowhere,” said attorney Gabe Galanda. “We’re suing to pause the process to allow that consultation as promised to occur.”

The proposed Medford casino would be Class II with gaming machines but no card tables, and would operate out of an old bowling alley on S. Pacific Highway between the cities of Medford and Phoenix, Oregon. The Cow Creek’s casino in Canyonville is labeled as a Class III casino, with gaming tables such as blackjack, poker and roulette. 

In defense of their push for the Medford casino approval, the CEO of the Coquille Tribe’s economic development arm Tribal One, Judy Farm, talked about how the Cow Creek had twelve years to comment that they took full advantage of.

“This is all about competition. So it’s another move by Cow Creek not to have to compete in the market. They’ve had over 12 years to comment and they have taken full advantage of the 12 years of time it’s taken us to permit this project.”

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, the District Judge denied the motion for the temporary restraining order and injunction and vacated the hearing that was scheduled for Jan. 3, 2025. With the 30-day public comment period over, despite Gov. Tina Kotek requesting an extension from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the project now rests in the hands of the government and a decision on its future seems likely in the coming months. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Holidays at the Oregon Zoo

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Portland, Oregon, is home to the Oregon Zoo. Founded in 1888, it’s become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Housing more than 2,000 animals, it also includes some species that are endangered or threatened.

The zoo has an annual tradition of “ZooLights,” a holiday lights display featuring a colorful light show, interactive displays, lanterns in the shape of life-size animals and other creative animal-themed attractions. This holiday season, it was open Nov. 22 – Jan. 5. 

The Oregon Zoo offered a night of light displays that were sensory-friendly, with modified lights and sounds for people with different sensory processing needs. The zoo also offered two nights for anyone over the age of 21. “BrewLights” is an adult-only festival with samples available from over 50 breweries and cideries in the Northwest. 

Every night of “ZooLights” had much more than the sparkling lights. There were warm beverages, many food options and souvenirs to remember the event.

The holiday lights have been a beloved tradition for almost 40 years. In 2020, the Oregon Zoo made the light display a drive-through event to comply with COVID regulations. In 2023, it came back full force by returning to its original walk-through format. This year, there were over 20 light displays, including a decorated train that rolled through the zoo.

The Oregon Zoo made sure that humans weren’t alone in celebrating the holidays by involving many animals in winter festivities.

The zoo’s Instagram account — @oregonzoo — posted several pictures Dec. 25 of their animals receiving Christmas presents. Many animals, including a red panda, a polar bear and a giraffe posed with festive wrapping paper for their moment in the spotlight. 

A red panda named Moshu has become a fan-favorite of Oregon Zoo enthusiasts. Moshu was first brought to the zoo in 2019 when he was seven years old. The red panda is now 13 years old and was diagnosed with heart disease in April 2024. Despite his old age and his diagnosis, Moshu’s health has stabilized and he is doing well. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu 

Goodbye Styrofoam

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

With 2024 in the rearview mirror, Oregon made its own New Year’s resolution. Starting Jan. 1, food vendors could no longer use Styrofoam containers. Oregon lawmakers first passed Senate Bill 543 in 2023, and it was finally put into effect the first day of 2025. 

Oregon has joined 11 other states that have banned polystyrene foam through statewide legislation. Many cities in Oregon already banned Styrofoam food containers. Portland has had them banned since 1990. 

Polystyrene foam, more commonly known as the product Styrofoam, is a non-biodegradable plastic that often ends up as litter in the ocean, since most products made of polystyrene foam are meant to be single-use. 

Commercial Styrofoam products would have been able to be broken down by the combination of oxygen and light, however they have chemical additives to prevent that from happening. The littered Styrofoam is often eaten by animals, potentially causing serious health complications. 

Senate Bill 543 has three main components. The first component bans food vendors from using single-use polystyrene foam containers, specifically to-go containers. The second component prohibits the selling and distribution of polystyrene foam packing peanuts and polystyrene foam containers. It does not apply to products such as a Styrofoam cooler, which is not single-use. The third component strays away from Styrofoam, instead banning the selling and distribution of foodware containers that have perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFAS. These chemicals, like polystyrene, aren’t easily broken down, causing problems for wild animals and the environment. 

If any food vendor still serves customers food in Styrofoam containers, they will be fined up to $100 each day they are in violation of the new law. Any person who sells or distributes Styrofoam packing peanuts, Styrofoam containers or foodware containers with PFAS will be fined up to $500. 

The banning of Styrofoam containers is predicted to have a positive impact on the environment, however the impacts on businesses and the consumers may be less than ideal. Recyclable to-go containers cost more money, which means that many restaurants will have to raise their prices. It may also impact owners of small businesses, who might not be aware of the ban or who might not be able to afford switching to recyclable containers. 

Businesses and customers alike will have to wait to see how Oregon’s new law is enforced and the extent to which it affects restaurants. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu 

New year, new “WOU”

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Western, in light of the new year, has made multiple additions to the face of the school.

Nov. 8, Western reported that it had made history by becoming the first public university to join the Tri-Alpha honor society, which is specifically for first-generation students in college. Nearly half of Western’s student body identifies as first-generation, meanwhile Oregon State University recognizes one quarter or less of its student body as first-generation.

Dana Nunez-Silva, first-generation coordinator at Western, will assist with and advise for Tri-Alpha and provide resources for first-generation students, spreading encouragement and support in a tight-knit community. Tri-Alpha hopes to become part of the Western experience and provide countless benefits and opportunities for deserving students.

Western launched a new initiative titled “Provost Faculty Fellows,” announced Dec. 16 to the Western website, to recognize faculty’s commitment to academic leadership and their contributions. The 2024 faculty fellows included Patricia Gimenez-Eguíbar, Ph.D., David Szpakowski, Ph.D., Feier Hou, Ph.D., Kristen Pratt, Ph.D. and Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D.

Each fellow is expected to help highlight Western’s commitment to faculty and student success alike through projects such as faculty mentorship, utilizing artificial intelligence in academic and work settings, developing external partnerships related to research for the National Science Foundation and re-envisioning the college’s student course evaluation instrument. Fellows will work with Academic Affairs leadership for two terms before delivering a report with recommendations based on their work and research.

Dec. 2, Western announced a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant, awarded from the Oregon Department of Education. The grant will help expand and provide resources and programs in the Monmouth and Independence area for bilingual education, with partnerships mentioned with Central School District. 

The range of initiatives within Central School District were announced as follows: equity-centered professional development, an advisory board establishment, a peer mentoring program, community events, coaching in ESOL and bilingual education, policy evaluation, MECHA programming expansion, after-school literacy support, post-secondary connections and bilingual educator programs. 

“This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Latiné students in the region and reflects Western’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment,” shared professors Jessica Dougherty, Marie Lejeune and Mandy Olsen, all co-PI’s who will manage the grant. One named goal has been to empower Latiné students through impactful strategies.

Western was also awarded a $2 million Workforce Ready Grant to assist with training more counselors and behavioral and mental health professionals through June 2026.

According to Western, “Similar to the shortages of teachers and medical providers, there is a severe lack of counselors and behavioral health professionals who can work with clients in both Spanish and English. The program will recruit bilingual undergraduate students, provide them with tuition assistance and offer opportunities to work with Polk or Marion county in an earn-to-learn setting. Students placed with the counties will work part-time, gaining valuable experience and supervised clinical hours while addressing the acute shortage of counselors in the community.”

The program is launching in early 2025 and is inviting interested individuals to a dinner event to learn more about careers in behavioral health and scholarships, which will take place Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Werner University Center Pacific Room.

In December, Western announced the launch of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, “Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University.” The campaign aims to continue Western’s legacy of ensuring a personalized learning community. Funds raised through the campaign will support scholarships, a new turf field for men’s and women’s soccer, student success through the newly-built Student Success Center and resources for basic needs.

Western looks forward to new additions to the educational opportunities offered, such as potential new graduate programs.

As of Dec. 14, the Wolves Rising campaign boasted $17 million toward their goal of $20 million, all in efforts to further foster Western’s welcoming culture and empower students.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

CGE strikes at OSU

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The Coalition of Graduate Employees — CGE — at Oregon State University went on strike Nov. 12, 2024. Their main goal was to negotiate with OSU to receive a 50% minimum salary increase and a change in contract cycles. 

Graduate employees — specifically teaching assistants — conduct the majority of the coursework for the classes they work in. The CGE advocated for the graduate employees’ pay to match their workload.

A Community Letter of Support for CGE was written, urging OSU to come to an agreement with the CGE. 

“We urge the university to ensure that all its employees can afford to live and contribute to the community in which they work,” the letter stated. “For Oregon State University to fulfill its mission to our community and state and to retain — and truly serve — its diverse student body, it must start compensating graduate employees fairly.” 

The letter was signed by nine Oregon state representatives, three Oregon state senators and one Corvallis city counselor. 

During another mediation, the CGE attempted to compromise with the university by advocating for a 30% increase in minimum wage salaries instead of 50%, however, OSU did not agree with their proposal.

“After a year of openly combative negotiations, OSU has made it abundantly clear that their priority is not the pursuit of knowledge, but rather the pursuit of money, even at the expense of their own dedicated, hard-working, and talented graduate employees,” the CGE wrote in a post on their Instagram — @cge6069. 

Throughout the strike, the CGE has organized picket lines. Nov. 21, undergraduate students were invited to join the picket in solidarity with the strike. They dressed up in pink clothes and stood in front of the Kerr Administration building. 

OSU’s football game Nov. 23 against Washington State University was disrupted by graduate employees. As football game-goers left the stadium, they saw a projection on a building that read “$17.9 million raided from the education fund for athletics.” This year, the athletics budget received an increase of $17.9 million, with that money taken from the education and research budget. 

In an Instagram post about the game, the CGE wrote, “Our message is clear: tuition should fund education. OSU needs to reassess its priorities. This is not just about us. We want a better OSU for all.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Monmouth’s holiday cheer

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Many people think of winter as a time of traditions and festivities. For Monmouth’s holiday season, the Holiday Tree Lighting and the Monmouth Merry Market bring the holiday spirit to the community. 

The light parade — also a holiday tradition — is set to begin at 6 p.m. at the Monmouth Public Library. Local businesses can design a float or walk in the parade to show off their holiday spirit.

Dec. 6 the community is invited to gather for the annual tree lighting on Monmouth Avenue that will commence after the holiday light parade finishes its course. 

The large sequoia tree in front of Campbell Hall will be adorned with many strings of lights, bringing holiday cheer to Western’s campus. The tradition of lighting the tree began in 1967 and has been a staple of winter in Monmouth ever since. Every year before the lighting, several guest speakers address the crowd. Then, the winner of an elementary student essay contest is announced, followed by the winner reading their essay publicly. 

Local vendors will be available for the public to enjoy from 5-9 p.m. in the Werner University Center — WUC — for Monmouth’s Merry Market. Also in the WUC at 7 p.m., cookies will be available for decoration. At 7:30 p.m., children and adults alike will have the opportunity to get a picture with Santa. The market is a great opportunity for businesses to both give and receive support from the Monmouth and Western communities. 

Along with the market, a silent auction will be held throughout the evening in the WUC. The auction is an annual fundraising event hosted by Abby’s House. 

The festivities aren’t only limited to Dec. 6. Up until Christmas Day, Main Street Park will be home to many light displays sponsored by local businesses. Any Main Street holiday shopping will be accompanied by colorful lights and fun displays. 

Every year, Monmouth and Western’s communities come together to create a supportive environment for students, Western faculty, Monmouth residents and anyone else who wishes to join in on the celebrations. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Blind Soccer League in South Sudan

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is gaining recognition for a remarkable initiative — the Blind Soccer Premier League. While the country is often celebrated for its basketball talent, this league highlights the determination of people with disabilities, offering them an opportunity to shine in a different version of the sport.
The league, which began in 2023, operates in the capital city of Juba. It currently consists of four teams and aims to combat the stigma often associated with disabilities. For many players, mainly in their 20s, the league has become more than just a sport — it is a chance to be a part of a community that supports one another. Through its efforts, the league not only provides competition but also promotes awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Jimmy Just Augustin, the captain of the Kator Blind Football Club, helped found the league. Blinded as a child due to untreated retinal damage, Augustin once believed his soccer-playing days were behind him. However, his discovery of blind soccer in 2020 reignited his passion for the sport. Nicknamed “Messi” by his teammates for his impressive dribbling skills, Augustin has become a role model for others, telling them “a disability does not define one’s abilities.” His journey has inspired players and fans, spreading the message that sports can break barriers.
While blind soccer shares similarities with traditional soccer, it isn’t completely the same sport. Players wear eye coverings, regardless of their level of vision. The ball is designed with rattles inside, which helps players locate it by sound. Games are played on enclosed fields, which help maintain fast-paced games. And lastly, to prevent injuries, players are required to call out “voy” — Spanish for “I’m going” — when attempting tackles or challenging opponents.
Though still in its early stages, the league has huge plans for the future. Organizers hope to expand its reach across South Sudan, encouraging greater participation and representation of people with disabilities. They also aim to compete in international tournaments, with the 2026 Blind Football African Championship serving as a key milestone. This could pave the way for Paralympic participation in 2028, a goal that would not only elevate the league’s profile but also inspire a new generation of athletes in South Sudan.
The South Sudan Blind Soccer League is more than just a game — it is a movement. Challenging stereotypes, it is proving that determination can light the path to a brighter, fairer future for us all.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Western’s food pantry

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Western’s food pantry is located in room 165 of the Welcome Center. It is open Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for Western students and faculty only. It is open to the public 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesdays and 2 – 6 p.m. Thursdays. Abby’s House — Western’s center for equity and gender justice — is the parent organization of the food pantry.

Everyone is welcome to utilize the food pantry on the allotted days, even including non-residents of Monmouth. There is also no maximum or minimum amount of income an individual needs to have to be a customer. Everything in the food pantry is free to all customers. 

Also located in room 165 of the Welcome Center is the Stitch Closet. The Stitch Closet provides clothes for individuals, free of charge. It has the same hours as the food pantry for the convenience of users. Like the food pantry, the Stitch Closet is also a part of Abby’s House. The concept for the Stitch Closet was imagined in 2020 and came to fruition fall 2021. 

Tarly Sineo, a first-year at Western majoring in psychology, started volunteering at the food pantry and the Stitch Closet as soon as it opened for the 2024-25 school year. “I took multiple steps to ensure that I got to volunteer the first day it was available to me,” said Sineo. 

Student volunteers are integral in ensuring the organization runs smoothly. “(I make) sure that the floors are clear, everything’s stocked correctly, clothing racks are clear and we’re using the right hangers. Just general maintenance,” said Sineo.

Sineo is passionate about helping students and members of the community and making sure they have the resources they need. “It means a lot to me. Pretty early (in the term) I figured that I’d probably be bored and have a lot of hours just kind of sitting around my room … So I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone; busy myself, and make the community a bit better for the people around me.” 

Food pantries are an important part of many communities, and it is especially beneficial for students. Western’s food pantry is helping to battle food insecurity among students, with college campuses statistically having more people who struggle.

“It’s a really valuable asset,” said Sineo. “Some (meal plans) don’t get to three meals a day on all of the weekdays.” The food pantry also helps anyone who is hosting community events — such as a Thanksgiving gathering or a residence hall event — get the materials and resources they need. 

Western’s food pantry put together turkey baskets for community members. The baskets have uncooked turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberry sauce and the ingredients to make green bean casserole. 

“It’s a program for people who might not have the money to get a full turkey or the circumstances to be able to get a bunch of different Thanksgiving food for their family,” said Sineo.

Much of the food that Western’s food pantry offers is provided by a Salem food bank — Marion Polk Food Share. The rest of the food supply is a collection of donations from people in the community. 

The food pantry follows a client-choice model of shopping. Customers can choose their items instead of receiving a preselected bag of groceries. This ensures that people will use everything they take, instead of wasting the things they either don’t like or can’t eat due to allergies. 

There is no limit to the number of times people can shop at the food pantry. They can take as much food as they need as long as they are courteous of other customers who also need to use the food pantry. Once customers have finished shopping, they weigh their food and anonymously fill out a checkout survey. The personal information of shoppers is never collected. 

Individuals can support the food pantry and the Stitch Closet by volunteering or giving donations. They accept donations of food, clothes, hygiene products, pet food and school supplies. Donations are collected in a box in front of the food pantry. Individuals can also donate money to the food pantry through Abby’s House. 

For food donations, homemade goods and meals from restaurants will not be accepted. Store-bought foods should have a visible expiration date and nutrition label. It should be in the original packaging with any lids and seals still intact. 

For clothing donations, the Stitch Closet will not accept anything that shows offensive words or visuals, or clothes that are damaged or dirty. 

If donors are unsure if an item will be accepted, they can take it to a student volunteer who will inspect it. 

For students who would like to volunteer, there is a volunteer interest form linked in the food pantry’s Instagram — @woufoodpantry.  

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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