Augusta University student Lucas Blouin has made a notable contribution to the Open Paws Pantry, donating 140 pounds of items at the start of the spring semester. Blouin, a first-year business administration student at the James M. Hull College of Business, said his interest in business is rooted in building relationships and communication.
“I’ve been interested in business since I was a kid,” Blouin said. “I’ve always been interested just because I think it encompasses everything we do in our lives. Relationships are probably the number one aspect of business – it’s relationships, communication and how well you connect with others.”
Blouin explained that his donation reflects his ongoing commitment to philanthropy during his time at Augusta University. “I donated 140 pounds of items and, this isn’t at all to float my boat, but this is a way of giving back to people,” he said. “I think showing others that strangers do care about them matters, and they’re never alone in their struggles.”
Dmya Sanders, CARE case manager at Open Paws Pantry, recalled her first interaction with Blouin when he arrived during regular pantry hours not as a recipient but as a donor. “Lucas stopped by the pantry during regular hours, when students usually check in using the QR code,” Sanders said. “He shared that he wasn’t there to get anything for himself and instead wanted to donate. He asked what items we needed most or what tended to go the quickest.”
After consulting with Sanders and reviewing needs firsthand, Blouin purchased mostly non-food supplies such as shaving kits, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent, and bottled water.
The Open Paws Pantry began operations in March 2016 and now marks its tenth year providing food and other essentials to Augusta University students. The pantry operates two locations: Quad Studio on Summerville Campus and Campus Recreation Center on Health Sciences Campus.
Sanders emphasized how donations like Blouin’s help sustain resources for students who rely on quick-access food items and hygiene products. “Donations like this help ensure sustainability through grab-and-go items and hygiene products that students rely on the most,” Sanders said. “For students, this means having continued access to essential items that support their well-being and academic success. It also highlights the sense of care and community that exists at Augusta University, reinforcing that students are supported not only through resources, but through the generosity and initiative of others.”
Outside academics, Blouin teaches tennis and pickleball lessons at Augusta Country Club; he uses earnings from these lessons for charitable efforts such as his recent donation.
“It makes me feel happy that I’m able to be in a position that I can do something like this, and I hope it encourages others to do the same,” he said. “Anyone can help with this. You don’t have to give money. You don’t have to give items even. If you’re just donating time to organizations like this, I think you’ll find that true joy comes from giving and not from receiving. And if you are someone, especially who’s young and you’re struggling, maybe even helping others might help you overcome that hurdle you’re going through.”
Information about supporting Open Paws Pantry—including wish lists or general donations—and details regarding its locations or services are available on the Open Paws Pantry website.
