blog

Highlighting the ongoing poverty epidemic, worsened by bleak economic times, students of the University of Wyoming are holding a series of educational workshops and clothing drives in order to aid the local community. The events are honoring National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week, hosted by the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness and the National Coalition for the Homeless.

The events at UW are sponsored by the University’s Center for Volunteer Service and Student Leadership and Civic Engagement (SLCE). The week, beginning Nov. 16, will include a seven-day collection of coats and hygiene products.

According to SLCE graduate assistant Rachel Sherman, 10 percent of the families of the local Albany County are living below the poverty line.

“An easy thing people can do to help out local families is donate an old winter coat or new toiletries. It takes just about a minute, and can really help out,” Sherman says.

In addition to collecting donations, the events at UW will also include several workshops designed for educating the community on the gender gap in wages, as well as situating babysitters with families in need.

Events will conclude on Nov. 20 with a community outreach day when volunteers will help weatherize houses and volunteer at various sites throughout Albany County.

More from the University of Wyoming

More from the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness