Dear Penn Community,

Thank you so very much for your continued generosity. The Netter Center recently piloted a new program, Penn Adopts a Classroom, with great results. Several departments and individuals have provided needed items to enhance the learning of students in our local schools, creating a transformation to a beautiful, colorful and welcoming space for future generations, created by Research Services and coordinated by Lauren Oshana. Teachers received items from their wish list as well as much needed general supplies. Additionally, the Annual School Supplies Drive benefitted schools in the area, and we were also able to respond to various request for the donations.   

The Netter Center also reincarnated a program from the past now called UACS Nights (University Assisted Community Schools Nights) where many volunteers with a variety of expertise teach a variety of classes to members of the surrounding community. Classes in career planning, Zumba, cardio-boxing, computers, first aid, and more are held at West Philadelphia High School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. We invite you to share your expertise with others as well as to join us as we have fun and learn from each other. 

The holiday season is almost here. The Penn community has a huge impact during the holiday season on our surrounding community. We look forward to working with you again this year as we strive to make a difference in the lives of our deserving neighbors.

Below is a special opportunity to bring joy during the holidays. I look forward to working with you as we strive to be good neighbors.

We also encourage you to support the disaster relief efforts addressing the unprecedented number of catastrophic events being experienced in various parts of the country.

Thank you for all you do. 

—Isabel Sampson-Mapp, Associate Director, Netter Center for Community Partnerships

Holiday Food Drive Now through November 16: Let’s Take a Bite out of Hunger!

In the season of Thanks and Giving, please contribute to the Annual Food Drive at the University coordinated by Penn VIPS. We are collecting non-perishable foods (cans and boxed foods) as well as turkeys.

Donations will re-stock the pantry at Baring House and the People’s Emergency Shelter as well as help many deserving families in the area.

Please take donated items to one of our conveniently located drop sites listed below:

President’s Office.   100 College Hall.   Brenda Gonzalez.   898-0447

Provost Office.   353B 3401 Walnut      Susan Curran.   898-6841

Museum Reception Desk Near Kress Gallery     Bonnie Crosfield.   898-4001

Human Resources.   538A, 3401 Walnut Street.   Syreeta Gary.   898-6018

Van Pelt Library.    Cataloging & Metadata Dept.    Rachelle Nelson.   898-9048

Netter Center.   111 S. 38th St., 2nd floor.   Isabel Sampson-Mapp.   898-2020

ISC.   265C, 3401 Walnut St.   Maureen Goldsmith.   573-8771

Wharton    1000 SH-DH.   Jennifer O’Keefe.   898-1092

ISC.   203A Sansom West.    Kathie Ritchie.   573-3561

LIFE.   4508 Chestnut Street.   Cherry Sturdivant.   573-7202

Research Services.   P-221 Franklin Bldg.    Lauren Oshana.   573-6710

Student Health.    3535 Market/Suite 100.   Jay Effrece.   746-1010

Comptroller’s Office.   312 Franklin Building.   Celestine Silverman.   898-7593

FRES.   3101 Walnut Street.   Carole Mercaldo.   573-8795

AFCR.   I421 Curie Boulevard.   Joanne Gorman.   746-5550

Physics & Astronomy.   DRL 2E5.   Michelle Last.   898-5954

Nursing    3rd & 4th flr. mailroom, Fagin Hall.   Pat Adams.   573-1630

African American Res. Ctr.    3643 Locust Walk.   Colleen Winn.   898-0104

Development & Alumni Relations.   2929 Walnut, Suite 146.   Gretchen E. Ekeland.   898-3633