Several Grand Valley groups are working together to collect winter gear for refugees who are settling in West Michigan.
Kaufman Interfaith Institute, Better Together, Wesley Fellowship, and Community Service Learning Center are receiving donations of coats, hats and mittens that will be donated to Bethany Christian Services.
Items can be dropped off at the CSLC in room 1110 of the Kirkhof Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or in the donation box at North Community Center in Laker Village. The drive will end March 4, and a community event is planned for March 8.
Ranya Hwail, president of the student organization Better Together, estimates that there are about 700 refugees currently living in West Michigan. She said many are in need of basic items when they first arrive in the U.S.
"We are accepting gear for families and individuals who have just arrived here from countries all over the world and are about to endure our cold West Michigan weather," said Hwail.
Hwail said the winter gear collection drive is part of Better Together's ongoing efforts to provide a space for students to build interfaith cooperation and talk about diversity, inclusion and religion.
Aquinas and Calvin colleges are also participating in the winter gear collection drive.
For more information, contact CSLC at 331-2468.
