Drop Off @ Simmons Hall
Drop off donations to ZipAssist, located on the first floor of Simmons Hall via lobby front desk.
Simmons Hall Address: 277 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron, OH 44325
Temporary Drop Off Parking: located behind Simmons Hall off S. Forge Street at 100-172 S Forge St, Akron, OH 44308
Have a lot of items? Give us a heads up call at 330-972-7272 so we can assist with a cart or email us to schedule a drop off time at cupboard@uakron.edu.
Shop on Amazon
You can also purchase food for the pantry through Amazon, using our Amazon Food Pantry Needs list.
Select items that you wish to purchase and sponsor for the Cupboard.
Ensure the items are send to:
The University of Akron – ZipAssist
277 E. Buchtel Ave.
Akron, OH 44325-6222It’s not required but we encourage donors to include a note with your name and email so that we can thank you.
Monetary Support
To make a monetary donation to the Campus Cupboard, visit the University’s giving page and select "ZipAssist Campus Cupboard" from the drop down menu. UA employees can also give through Payroll Deduction.
Donation Guidelines
We kindly ask that all donors review their items before donating to help us uphold a consistent level of care.
“Level of care” in this context means the standard we hold ourselves to in making sure donated items are safe, appropriate, and respectful for everyone who receives them. It’s about treating recipients with dignity by only providing items you would feel comfortable and confident using yourself, and helping ensure everything shared supports health, trust, and well-being.
- All items must have labels
- All items must be sealed and unused
- Please do not donate open or used products, even if they were only tried once. We ask this to ensure safety and maintain a high level of care for all students using our resources.
- No homemade goods, including baked goods and home-canned items
- Expired items will not be accepted
- February - Haircare and Hygiene Products
- March - Menstrual Products
- May - Pet Food/Products
- June - Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- July - Items off the Amazon Wishlist
- September - Items off the Items Needed Now List
- Hunger Action Month - raise awareness and inspire action to end hunger in America
- November - Contribute to our Giving Month Fundraiser
- Hunger & Homelessness week: takes place the week before Thanksgiving or the third full week of November
When Are Items Accepted?
- Small items only accepted during April, May, and August
- Large items only accepted during specific dates in May and August
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Questions or Large Donations: If you have a large donation, bulk items, or are unsure whether something qualifies, please contact us at cupboard@uakron.edu before dropping it off. We are happy to coordinate and help determine best placement.
What We Accept:
- We accept clean, gently used or new items in good working condition.
- Kitchen & Dining:
- pots, pans, baking sheets, mixing bowls, cooking utensils, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, silverware sets, small kitchen appliances such as mini fridges, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, crockpots, etc.
- Home Furnishings:
- lamps, chairs, tables, side/end tables, wall decor, shelves, desks, TVs, etc.
- Dorm Essentials:
- storage bins, school supplies, vacuums, fans, organizers, mirrors, etc.
What We Cannot Accept:
- cloth items will not be accepted including rugs, futons, pillows or bedding
- items that are broken, heavily worn, or missing parts, requiring repair or electrical rewiring
- upholstered furniture (sofas, recliners, chairs) with stains or rips
- items with stains, strong odors, mold, or pest damage
- Accepted all year round.
- Professional clothes & winter gear only.
- examples: shirt/blouse, skirt, pant, tie, suit blazer, suit set, cardigan, belt, shoes, etc.
- examples: coat, gloves, scarf, winter hat, etc.
- Items must be free from rips, tears, missing buttons, and stains.
- Items must be freshly washed/dry cleaned.
- We do not accept socks and undergarments.
- Hangers welcome.
- Books can be donated directly to the Free Little Library.
- For large book donations, see Drop Off @ Simmons Hall.
Does your organization want to arrange a donation drive to benefit the Campus Cupboard?
- Email us at cupboard@uakron.edu to let us know.
- We are also happy to help arrange a drop off time, have carts available, take photos with your donations or arrange a special volunteer event for your organization.
- Special volunteer events are customized to the need/desires of your group. Can include counting and processing donated items and learning more about our programs and your organization's impact!