The Student Nurses Association is running a warm clothing drive for the Homeless Alliance.
The goal is to provide winter gear for the homeless population of Oklahoma City who may not possess it.
Heather Maurer, nursing graduate, is president of SNA. Maurer said the goal of SNA is to help the surrounding community.
“As an SNA officer, you want to get involved in the community in any way possible,” she said. “One of our faculty advisers found a flyer on Facebook and sent it to me. Since then, I’ve been trying to get the word out in any way possible.”
Donations will go to OKC Homeless Alliance, an organization whose goal is to end long-term homelessness in Oklahoma City. They operate several housing programs and make it a primary goal to house veterans, families and chronically homeless people. Their shelters provide food, showers and access to healthcare.
“Here in Oklahoma City, we have a really large homeless population,” Maurer said. “I didn’t realize that until I became involved with the Homeless Alliance. This is the first semester we have been involved with them, and I’m hoping when I leave in December, we can continue this collaboration.”
Maurer said it is going well and they are forming a collaboration with a corporation off campus for help. She also plans to contact Oklahoma City media in hopes of gaining more publicity.
“We already have donations coming in,” Maurer said. “A corporation off-campus is getting involved, too, with their own little drive for us. We’re collecting anything that will keep our homeless population warm.”
Donations for coats, socks and hand warmers are being accepted. Hats, gloves and scarves also are being collected.
Elizabeth Gwartney, biomedical science freshman, said she supports this drive.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” she said. “I think it’s a good idea to be giving coats to people who need them.”
Collection bins are located on the second floor break room of Kramer School of Nursing East. Bins also have been added to the Dulaney-Browne Library and set out by the caf. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 10.
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