With winter approaching, so is the need for winter gear here at the University of North Dakota (UND). The fourth annual winter coat drive here at UND will be accepting donations from Oct. 6 and will continue to accept donations as long as the temperature outside keeps dropping and staying cold. Donations can be made at the Student Government/Student Involvement Office, Memorial Union Suite 144 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Student ID is not required to donate. The goal of the winter coat drive is to get winter gear to the students in need for this upcoming winter and as soon as possible.
Although donations are still being accepted, students in need can head over to the donation location now and see what they could take home with them. The distribution of the gear will officially start on Oct. 27 and at that time there will be more gear available. Students in need of winter gear can go to the Student Involvement Office, Memorial Union Suite 144 during their open hours to see what gear the drive has. The distribution of winter gear has a first-come, first-served set up.
The drive was inspired by the organizers talking with food pantry users who said they did not have any winter gear for the upcoming winter. That was what drove the decision to start a winter coat/gear drive here at UND. One of this year’s winter coat drive organizers, Kristi Okerlund, expressed that there is a higher need for coats, hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves.
With extreme low temperatures in winter, the Grand Forks area is subject to the need for winter gear increasing as the season approaches. Students need to have the proper gear for the temperature to ensure that they make it to class safely. So far, there have been multiple large donations which will help allow more students to stay warm. Even with large donations, the winter coat drive is still looking for donations of all kinds of winter gear. Any gently used or new gear is desired to be donated until the donation period is over.
The organizers of the winter drive are thankful for all the donations they have received thus far. To show her appreciation, Kristi Okerlund said “Thank you! The students who receive winter gear from the drive are extremely grateful to be warm as they travel around campus. We are simply the place that distributes the winter gear; our campus community makes it possible by donating!” With so many donations already, many students will be able to stay safe and warm as the temperature keeps getting colder.
Even though the winter coat drive has run smoothly these past years, Krisit Okerlund is open to any suggestions anyone has that may improve future winter coat drives here at UND.
Rachel Held is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at rachel.s[email protected].