The Purple Door

Food and clothing items for students in need

Recently reopened in its spacious new Aiden Hall location, the Purple Door food pantry is a free resource for food, clothing, and other household necessities. Like its predecessors – the Carlow Closet and Mercy Center for Care – the Purple Door is open to any and all Carlow students in need. But now, along with the new surroundings, the pantry’s scope of service has expanded to include faculty, staff, and the larger West Oakland neighborhood. All are welcome here.

Through partnerships with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and the American Heart Association, the Purple Door is now carrying perishable foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and meat. Donations of nonperishable foods, clothing, and hygiene items can be dropped off at the offices of Center for Mercy Heritage at University Commons or at the pantry itself.

By providing nourishment and essentials to those in need, the Purple Door exemplifies Carlow’s commitment to mercy, inclusion, and community well-being, reflecting the Sisters of Mercy’s longstanding dedication to fostering a supportive, empathetic environment for all. Each day, with every work of service, the Purple Door is doing its part to create a more just and merciful world.