MONACA, Pa. — What started as a small endeavor to provide Penn State Beaver students with essential toiletries and hygiene items has grown into a group effort between students, parents, staff and the community over the past year.
“It takes a village,” campus nurse Jessica Judy said.
During the spring 2025 semester, Judy said she started bringing in some toiletry items to have available for students.
“The reason I started the nurse’s pantry was I remember what it was like being in college. I did not have a vehicle. It was difficult to get to and from a grocery store. And to be honest, I didn’t really have a lot of money,” she said, adding that many students today are in the same circumstances.
One day when she was stocking the pantry, student Baily Cuteri stopped by Health Services and asked Judy what she was doing. Judy said when she explained, Cuteri shared that her mother, Denise Cuteri, is a couponer who stocks up on those types of items, and the family would be willing to help. Judy said Denise has made several donations to the pantry.
Baily and student Payton Rock helped to organize the pantry last spring after the Cuteris' donations, and Baily’s brother, Zach Cuteri, who is also Penn State Beaver’s Student Government Association president, also has helped with the pantry, Judy said.
Numerous staff members have also made donations to the pantry.
Recently, members of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) — Beaver Valley Branch learned about the nurse’s pantry and made a donation. AAUW Co-Presidents Deb Newton and Deb Mangelli visited campus to meet with Judy and Chancellor Carey McDougall. The AAUW recently held a fundraiser to support a new women’s business club at Penn State Beaver and provides college scholarships to local students.
Students can get items including shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products and laundry detergent from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday in Health Services. Students are welcome to walk in and get what they need. There are also paper bags provided.
The nurse’s pantry isn’t the only pantry available to Penn State Beaver students. The Lion’s Pantry, located in the Student Union Building, is stocked with food items for students to take at no cost.