Winter gear drive supports refugees

Several Grand Valley groups are working together to collect winter gear for refugees who are settling in West Michigan. 

Items collected during the second annual Welcoming Our Neighbors Winter Gear Drive will be donated to Bethany Christian Services (BCS). Items needed include hats, gloves, boots and jackets for adults. 

Melissa Baker-Boosamra, associate director for Student Life, said many refugees are in need of basic items when they first arrive to the U.S. More than 850 refugees came to Grand Rapids last year; BCS estimates that about 420 people are expected to settle in Grand Rapids in 2017. 

Items can be dropped off through February 10 in collection boxes located in the following locations on the Allendale Campus: 

• Kirkhof Center: Community Service Learning Center (1110), Women's Center (1201) or Office of Multicultural Affairs (1240)
• Student Services Building: Dean of Students Office (202)
• Zumberge Hall, Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center (068) or Office of Inclusion and Equity (4035)
• Wesley House/Sustainable Agriculture Project (4530 Luce St.)
• Lake Ontario Hall: Area Studies Office (117)
• Neimeyer Learning and Living Center, front desk
• Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center, front desk  

The drive is sponsored by Student Senate, Division of Student Services, Division of Inclusion and Equity, and Division of Enrollment Development. 

For more information, contact the Community Service Learning Center at 331-2468.