Written by Zeryn Macklin.
Throughout November, the University Cashier’s Office hosted a winter clothing drive to benefit Families Together, a Raleigh-based nonprofit that helps local families transition from homelessness to stable housing. Families Together serves many vulnerable individuals in our community, especially children, with over half of the population that the organization serves being under 12 years old. Many of these children arrive with minimal clothing, making warm gear an essential need as temperatures drop.
The office encouraged donations of new and gently used coats, sweaters, gloves, socks, beanies and scarves. “One coat keeps a child warm for the entire winter, which means waiting at the bus stop, playing in the snow, seeing holiday lights and making memories. Giving a child a coat is giving them an entire season of memories outside with friends and family,” says Mia Horne, organizer of the drive.
The campus community came together to support local families in need, donating 46 items of warm clothing. These generous donations will help children stay warm this winter and provide comfort and support to families as they work toward stable housing and brighter futures.
Thank you to everyone who supported this cause. Visit the Families Together website to learn how you can continue helping families in need.