UMPI AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Luke Cameron sent out a thank you to campus following the success of the Warm Your Heart Winter Accessories Drive at UMPI this winter. In total, volunteers collected: 18 coats and hoodies, 18 sweatshirts and sweaters, 2 baseball caps, 36 pairs of socks, 1 cowl, 47 winter hats, 10 ear warmers, 2 neck gaiters, 1 winter vest, 24 scarves, 10 blankets, 61 pairs of gloves and mittens, 1 pair of glove liners, 1 pair of boot clips, 5 pairs of pants, 3 short-sleeved shirts, 1 pair of shorts, 1 one-piece swimsuit, and 1 brassiere.
“The kindness of UMPI’s faculty and staff was on display, as some persons contributed heirlooms and items of sentimental value, knowing that they were going to a good cause, very high-quality coats and blankets and other things, and items that were new or had never been used,” Cameron said.
The items were organized with the help of UMPI students Dianna Poulin, Melanie Griffin, and Tabitha Taylor. On Saturday, Feb. 3, UMPI student Chenoa Jackson and NMCC student Trevayne Jackson loaded up the items and delivered them to the Sister Mary O’Donnell Emergency Homeless Shelter in Presque Isle. A very appreciative staff accepted the contributions.
Thanks to the following persons who contributed to the UMPI winter accessories drive: Melissa DeMerchant, Deborah Roark, Patti Hale, Danielle Pelkey, Gayla Shaw, Jay Robinson, Rowena McPherson, Nola Belanger, Dr. Jacqui Lowman, Shara Page, Pamela Easler, Kathryn Higgins, Nicole Fournier, Sara Shaw and the UMPI Women’s Softball team, April Chase, and Melanie Griffin (UMPI student).
Cameron hopes the Winter Accessories Drive can take place at UMPI again next January.
