The Obie Needs Closet is an initiative of the Oberlin Bonner Center and Bonner Scholars Program designed with the goal of supporting the basic needs of Oberlin students. This resource, located inside the Bonner Center, is for all students. The closet will provide shelf-stable, dorm-friendly food options, hygiene products, and common school supplies. Managed by the Bonner Leadership Team, the Obie Needs Closet will also meet seasonal needs and evolve as the needs of students evolve.
The Obie Needs Closet is funded through the Bonner Scholars Community Fund - a student managed micro-grant funded by the Bonner Foundation to support service and activism projects of Bonner Scholars. $500 will be proposed to the student committee each semester to continue the financial support of the Obie Needs Closet.
The Bonner Center is located at 148 W. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074 in the Bottom Floor of the Mudd Center. Upon entering the Bonner Center through the double doors, the Obie Needs Closet is directly to the right.
Mark your presence on the piece of paper: 1 Tally indicates 1 person’s visit.
Please only take items for yourself. If you know of someone who will benefit from this resource, please direct them here!
We are working on a 500$ grant funded seasonally, moving resources around is possible, but we need your cooperation to keep this as equitable as possible.
Let's us know you utilized this resource by completing this form.
That's very kind of you!
You can drop items off at the Bonner Center during our open hours Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
We would be happy to receive
Shelf-stable, non-refrigerated microwaveable meals
Snacks that do not need to be prepared or cooked
Pantry "basics" such as seasonings, pasta, etc.
Unopened Hygiene products
menstrual supplies, body wash, lotion, etc.
We hope to provide haircare for a wide array of hair types
School supplies
Dorm Essentials
Small Plastic Bins (for supply storage)
You can also support us by buying something off of our Amazon Wishlist! They will be delivered directly to the Bonner Center.
Logo Designed by Erica Vu C'26
Artist's Statement: "The logo I designed with digital media highlights the project's themes of self-care, community care, well-being, access, support, justice, and equity. The dark red, yellow, and gold colors evoke Oberlin College, which houses the closet’s location in the Bonner Center. The yellow background contrasts with the purple ribbon, representing the Bonner Scholars Program and a team-building activity that fosters community and connection. The bright red heart on the person's chest symbolizes Bonner Love and the phrase, "Access to education, opportunity to serve." The arms form a heart, creating a visual self-hug that emphasizes self-love, care, and the values of stability, serenity, and nourishment."