Monarchs Give Back is more than a campaign — it’s a reflection of who we are. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community by supporting those who need it most. Be part of the 150,000 item challenge and help us make an even greater impact in 2026.
- Nonperishable tuna or chicken packets
- Nonperishable grains (pasta, ramen noodles, mac n cheese, etc.)
- Canned beans
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Individually wrapped snack items
- Individually wrapped toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, etc.)
- Boxes of granola bars
- Boxes of individual oatmeal packets
- Boxes of cereal
- Boxes of dehydrated soup mixes
- Boxes of mac n cheese
- Boxes of pasta
- Plastic jars of marinara sauce
- Plastic jars of peanut butter
- Plastic jars of jelly
- Nonperishable tuna or chicken packets
Please note: All nonperishable food items—not just the ones listed below—will be collected to benefit Norfolk Public Schools and the Monarch Pantry.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty and Staff are at the heart of ODU’s culture of service. Join us in modeling compassion and civic engagement by:
- Organize a department-wide collection challenge
- Integrate service into your course curriculum or team goals
- Encouraging student participation and sharing our mission with your networks
- Volunteer to help sort and deliver donations
Together, we can amplify our impact on campus and beyond!
Students
Whether you’re part of a student organization, a residence hall, or just looking to give back on your own, there are countless ways to support Monarchs Give Back:
- Host a collection drive with your club, team, or organization
- Volunteer to help sort and deliver donations
- Spread the word across campus and social media
Your energy fuels the movement. Step up and help us reach 150,000 donations!
Alumni
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Donate online or in person at an Alumni Relations sponsored event (All donors will be entered to win two Alumni Relations tailgate admissions and two game tickets for Homecoming on October 31)
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Volunteer to help sort and deliver donations
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Organize a collection drive at places of employment
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Connect with fellow alumni to spread awareness
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Participate in the 4th annual Alumni Chapter Challenge
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Attend the Monarchs Give Back Celebration on October 30
Community Partners
Become a Monarchs Give Back Community Partner
Join Old Dominion University in the fight against food insecurity by becoming a Monarchs Give Back Community Partner. You can make a meaningful difference for ODU students and Norfolk Public Schools families through one or more of these impactful opportunities:
- Host a Food Drive
Serve as a collection site by organizing a food drive at your business, organization, or place of worship. ODU will provide promotional materials and coordinate donation pick-up. - Give or Sponsor
Support the campaign through a monetary donation, corporate sponsorship, employee giving campaign, or purchases from the Monarchs Give Back Amazon Wish List. - Volunteer Together
Engage your employees, neighbors or other community members in a volunteer experience by helping sort, pack, or distribute donations during the campaign. - Spread the Word
Promote Monarchs Give Back through your newsletters, social media, websites, meetings, and community events to inspire others to join the effort. - Take the 150,000 Challenge
Set an organizational goal, challenge another business or community group, and help us reach our campaign goal of collecting 150,000 food items to combat food insecurity across Hampton Roads.
For more information about becoming a Monarchs Give Back Community Partner, please contact Melanie Graham, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at megraham@odu.edu.