More than $140,000 and hundreds of winter coats, sweaters and other clothing have been donated by the University of Colorado at Boulder community during the holiday season, according to organizers at the university's Office of Community Affairs.
Winter Warmth Drive items were collected Nov. 3 to Dec. 5 at CU-Boulder deans' offices, the chancellor's office, the bookstore and other locations and included 247 coats, 118 sweaters, 26 blankets and dozens more hats, scarves, gloves and socks. The CU Bookstore donated several new jackets bearing the CU logo.
Gail Siegel, director of CU's Office of Community Affairs, said she was heartened by campus response "while unpacking the 247 winter coats and other assorted clothing donated by CU's faculty and staff. I was worried we might not see the quantity and quality of past years given these tough financial times, but I didn't need to worry -- the generous spirit of the CU community shines bright."
Siegel's office partners with the Boulder Valley Rotary Club and Art Cleaners to host the clothing drive.
Also as of Dec. 15, almost 600 university employees had contributed a grand total of $141,939 to the Colorado Combined Campaign, a program that collects donations from state employees and distributes the funds to 650 Colorado charities.
Collectively, the CU system is the state's top Combined Campaign contributor. Siegel said that because there were hundreds fewer invitations and fewer employees on campus this year, the campaign's efforts are even more impressive.
"In these economically challenging times, CU-Boulder faculty and staff have dug deep into their hearts and pockets to support our local and statewide communities," said Siegel. "The warm clothing donations can make a huge difference in the lives of people in need, and the CCC donations help programs throughout the year."
For more information about the Winter Warmth Drive or the Colorado Combined Campaign, contact Erin Frazier at the CU-Boulder Office of Community Affairs, (303) 492-8384.