Lil’ Pirate Pantry

Mission Statement

The Lil’ Pirate Pantry supports enrolled student parents at East Carolina University by providing essential childcare items and basic needs to help ease the challenges of balancing academics and parenting.

Housed within the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement and the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry, the Pantry offers access to food, diapers, and other family necessities to reduce non-academic barriers and promote student success. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive campus community—one where student parents and their families feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

See the Pantry in Action

Learn how the Lil’ Pirate Pantry supports ECU student parents.

Office Location

The Lil' Pirate Pantry is now located within the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement and the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry, in the Main Campus Student Center, Suite 208.

Office Hours

Starting Monday, August 17th
Monday – Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
Students will visit CLCE and present their 1-Card.
Students can visit and shop once a week.

Donations and Support

We welcome donations from individuals and organizations to support the Lil’ Pirate Pantry. Donations can include diapers/pull ups of any size and wipes.

Donations may be dropped off Monday-Friday between 1:00PM-5:00PM within the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement in the Main Campus Student Center, Suite 208.

If you are organizing a donation drive, please contact staff within the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement or email the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry at PurplePantry@ecu.edu to coordinate your dates and schedule a drop-off time.

Ways to Give:

Student Voices

The Lil' Pirate Pantry was a great resource while I was in school—it helped me provide essentials like diapers for my baby while I was trying to get through the school year. I am so thankful!
- Zari Diagne, B.A. Political Science, East Carolina University, 2025
Zari Diagne photo
My time at ECU was a period of self-exploration, grief, triumph, ambition, and perseverance. I cherish the lessons I learned and the victories I accomplished—none of which would have been possible without the support of the Dean of Students Office, who made me feel valued and supported.
- Zoe Brown, B.F.A. in Theatre Arts & Communications, East Carolina University, 2022; M.F.A. in Creative Producing, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, expected 2025.