As the holidays approach, many families face the stress of providing food, clothing, and gifts for their loved ones. Relief may come from community partners, food banks, and often, donation drives. Senior Ahmiya Edwards, a Psychology major, has started a “stay warm” drive, collecting coats, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and throw blankets. “I chose to donate these items to the Light of Life Rescue Mission,” Edwards said. “I’ve spread the word on my social media and talked about how everyone needs a little help and that helping people changes you for the better,” she said. Edwards felt she was called to help this holiday season. “Many people can’t provide for themselves, and I feel that my role on this earth is to help those who are struggling. (I saw) families out in the cold with not really a lot of things that can keep them warm,” she said. She also acknowledged that members of her own college community may be struggling. “Anyone on campus can feel free to take what they need if they’re in need of it,” Edwards added. Although Edwards is graduating, “I do plan to make this an annual thing; I will be doing it in my hometown, but I will also be recruiting a freshman to continue it on campus,” she said. “My goal is to make it a foundation so it can be expanded in the future.” The warm clothes drive will be running until the end of the fall semester (Dec. 12), and people will be able to drop donations in boxes in the lobbies of all four dorm buildings. “I feel it’s important for students to donate during the holiday season because most of us can give back and keep people warm,” Edwards said. Edwards isn’t the only one collecting donations several other PennWest California clubs and organizations are offering drives for students and faculty to donate to.
https://www.caltimes.org/11870/news/pennwest-cal-hosts-holiday-drives-throughout-campus/