Syracuse University’s University College and Student Association are holding a collection drive to benefit the Rescue Mission, an organization that combats homelessness and hunger in the Syracuse area as part of Philanthropy Week.

The drive, which started Monday, will focus on collecting toiletries such as deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes and feminine hygiene products. Collection boxes will be open until March 30 and are stationed around SU’s campus at most residence halls. The boxes are also open at the Schine and Goldstein Student Centers.

In addition to donating toiletries, students can participate in the collection drive by volunteering to help sort collected items on March 30 in the atrium of Schine, or by eating at the Chipotle Mexican Grill on Marshall Street between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on March 27. The restaurant has pledged to donate 50 percent of proceeds collected during that time to the Rescue Mission.

Eileen Jevis, a public relations manager at University College, stressed the necessity of collecting toiletry items, especially for those who would not otherwise have access to them.

“Obviously, you can imagine that they would have such a need for toiletry items,” Jevis said. “But they also share them with other parts of the community, and other organizations out there serving those in need, so there’s a lot of need for it.”

According to 2016 United States Census data, Syracuse has the 13th highest poverty rate of cities in the United States.

The initiative is part of an effort by University College to expand its impact within the greater SU community. SA partnered with the drive as part of its Spring Into Action campaign, which aims to strengthen ties between SU and the local area.

Jack Woltman, SA’s co-chair of community engagement, spearheaded the effort on behalf of SA. He said it’s important to strengthen ties between SU students and the surrounding community.

“This is an important initiative for all students because not only is it encouraging increased cooperation between the university, but also promoting future partnerships between SA, UC and many other student organizations with similar motives,” Woltman said in an email.

Published on March 19, 2018 at 10:11 pm

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