The students from Purdue University Calumet’s Center for Learning and Academic Success (CLAS) volunteered to pack over 800 care packages for the homeless on Friday, November 13th. The care packages contained travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, lip balm, and deodorant) and handmade encouragement cards. The students also hosted a month long donation drive to raise the funds necessary to purchase the items for the care packages. The students raised over $2,500 through a GoFundMe account set up by the Lake Area United Way.
The project was organized through an ongoing partnership with CLAS and the Lake Area United Way. Each semester the United Way helps CLAS to organize a Day of Caring volunteer project for their students. Past projects have included packing Mother’s Day Care Packages for domestic violence victims and reading to Hammond Elementary School students.
“It’s great that we were able to partner with United Way and reach out to the community of which we are a part,” said Debbie Beal, Manager of Student Academic Support. “Serving others is a responsibility that belongs to all of us.”
“I think that it’s fantastic that so many of the CLAS students showed such compassion and drive to make a difference for those in need within the community,” said Elizabeth Barsic, student and CLAS Peer Mentor.
The kits were distributed to area nonprofits that assist the homeless. The recipient agencies included the Calumet Township Trustee’s Office, the Continuum of Care, the First Baptist Church of Hammond homeless shelter, and We Care From the Heart.
“These packages are great because they are small packages which are good because the homeless are moving around. The packages contain things they really need but are compact enough to put in a pocket and carry around, especially in the winter,” said Kim Hunt of We Care From the Heart.
Diane Kraft, Founder and Chief Consultant for We Care From the Heart added, “it’s a great thing and well needed.”