Warming up Northwest with Drive

Every January, members of the International Club put on a winter warmth drive to help provide necessities for those less fortunate during the winter months.

From January 17 to February 16, 2024, students at Northwest are encouraged to bring frequently needed supplies like personal care supplies and non-perishable food items. These items can include shampoo, canned foods, soap, laundry detergent and much more. All donations will go to the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa (RACI). Sierra Pradhan is a co-president of the International Club and helps oversee the winter warmth drive.

“We are asking for donations from the school to give to the nonprofit organization RACI who serve the refugee population in Iowa,” Pradhan said.

These donations are especially important now because of the rising need for supplies that come with the winter and spring months. Jenna Le is another co-president of the International Club and is responsible for communicating with the organizations that they want to donate to. 

She said, “These donations benefit refugees who are currently in Iowa so that they don’t have to worry about keeping clean for a job interview and to stay clean!”

It is important to note that many people, including many students at Northwest, never have to worry about basic things such as having soap, toothpaste or deodorant to stay clean and hygienic. This is unfortunately not the case for many refugees living and working in Iowa. The lack of these supplies can make it difficult for many of these people to go to job interviews, maintain steady work or be able to look and feel their best. The simple act of donating even just a few supplies can go a long way. 

“There are plenty of people that don’t have the privilege of having these items that we have and use every day, so by paying it forward, refugees can worry about one less thing,” Le expressed.

These donations can help refugees and their families physically, mentally and financially. This is why having donations to give them is so important. Alayna Schulte is a sophomore who wants to express the benefits of giving back to the community.

“Donating to the winter warmth drive is important because families will now be able to stay warm without having to pay for new [clothes] on their own,” Schulte said.

No matter how much or little someone is able to give, the International Club’s winter warmth drive shows how just a little kindness can go a long way.