The Vincennes University Humanities Recruitment and Retention Committee has undertaken an initiative to host a winter gear drive to provide students with, hats, gloves, and other winter clothing items.
The drive is accepting new or gently-used hats, gloves, and scarves. There are no limits on how much someone can donate.
Penny Kirk, an associate professor and director of the university’s Study Skills Department, said, “The more (we collect) the better variety to distribute throughout all dorms!”
Although the primary focus of the drive is hats, gloves, and scarves, other cold-weather items like coats are welcome, but with some restrictions since they would need additional cleaning before redistribution.
Kirk said, “If a student needed a coat and had a conversation with someone, I think there are people who could get them a coat.”
Donations can be dropped off in any college office up until Friday. After items are collected, they will be sorted on Monday in the Humanities College office and distributed to dorms for students.
Baskets of winter gear will be in every dorm occupied with a sign encouraging students to take what they need, Kirk said.
“We often see a need for students to have proper gear as they walk about campus in the elements, so we want to help and serve students,” she said.
The Senate Student Affairs Committee also hosted a winter weather donation drive last year, and the Humanities Committee wanted to continue the effort, Kirk said. If the drive is successful, she hopes it will become an annual event and possibly even expand to something more.
Kirk reiterated that anyone is welcome to donate to this winter gear drive. and volunteers are encouraged to assist with sorting or delivering baskets. Those interested in extending a helping hand can contact Kirk at 812-888-4219 or via email at [email protected].
