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S.H.A.R.E Center at Palo Alto College helps underprivileged students

Palo Alto College is helping low-income students better afford their education thanks to the S.H.A.R.E. center that helps with food, clothing, and other essential services.

More than half of the students at Palo Alto College are low-income, first-generation students. Some are also struggling and can't afford food or clothes for interviews.

But the S.H.A.R.E center is helping to close the gap.

It's home to a food pantry, clothing closet, and other services students can access for free to help ensure their success both on and off campus.

Miranda Rasche is a student worker at the center and says that it's been her saving grace.

"If you are in need of social services, this place is the place to be," Rasche said. "To get something to eat or having somebody to talk to about financial situations."

The S.H.A.R.E center, which has only been open for a year, has proven to be vital on a campus where more than half the students need that kind of help to continue their education. Some also have children to support.

"I have two siblings that were going to be home right before Thanksgiving," Rasche said. "I shopped here in the pantry and it helped to save a lot of money in my pocket as well as my parents'."

In the course of a year, more than 900 students have benefited from the food, clothing, and resources at the center.

"When you take the grocery bag home and you realize how much you have in the grocery bag, it helps a lot," Rasche said.

School officials say that it helps retain students who might otherwise drop out or skip class to work full time just to make ends meet.

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