Denver’s neediest people have been faced with finding ways to survive in the cold amidst some of the coldest temperatures of the winter this past week. Many rely on the help of the Denver Rescue Mission.
For the fourth year in a row, the DU community will help the Denver Rescue Mission — a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, food, clothing, education, work discipline and other opportunities for Denver’s needy population — by collecting coats and cold weather items.
Sponsored by DU’s Staff Advisory Council, the “Pioneers for People” coat drive will run from Jan. 18–Feb. 5.
“Coats are not the only thing you can donate,” says Christa Bruning, SAC member and co-chair of the event. “We are collecting new or used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters and any other cold weather items for men, women and children.”
“Pioneers for People” is not limited to staff members. Anyone on campus is encouraged to get involved as well as DU neighbors and community members.
Bruning says the coat drive has been expanded this year to include more donation drop-off sites around campus. Several local businesses, including Spicy Pickle, Illegal Pete’s and Chipolte also have drop-off bins.
Additionally, donations can be dropped off at more than 20 locations on campus including University Hall, Sturm Hall, Mary Reed Building, Driscoll Student Center, Ritchie Center, Penrose Library, Fisher Early Learning Center, Chambers Center, Purchasing Services Building, Ricketson Law Building, Newman Center and the Ammi Hyde Building. For a complete list, visit the SAC website.
“We are honored to partner with the Denver Rescue Mission to provide cold-weather items to those who need them,” Bruning says. “By getting the whole DU community involved, we can help a large number of people.”