Jackie Hernandez’s face lights up when she talks about working with children at Ferguson K-8 School in York and her goal to collect 835 complete uniforms for needy children there. Hernandez, 33, a senior in the human development and family studies (HD FS) program at Penn State York, is conducting the uniform drive as part of her internship under the guidance of faculty member JeanMarie St. Clair-Christman, assistant professor of HD FS.
A collection box is located in the lobby of the Main Classroom Building outside the admissions office, and advising and career development through Nov. 29. Donation boxes were also located at Old Navy on Route 30 through Nov. 13.
Items to be collected include shirts -- solid colors, blue and white; pants -- khaki and blue jeans; children’s coats -- small, medium and large; and coats for teenagers -- all sizes.
Hernandez has been working at Ferguson throughout the semester doing counseling, referring families for services and other social work. The uniform and coat drive is just another way to show she cares about the students there.
“This is my passion,” Hernandez said. “It is really rewarding to me when I work with a student, and I see a change in them because they know I care. It is amazing when you see a child crying and smile at them and they smile back. It makes your heart sparkle.”
For more information or to make monetary donations, contact Hernandez at jxh5066@psu.edu.
This HD FS major at Penn State York is a multidisciplinary program that examines the development of individuals and families across the life span. It enables students to prepare for professional, managerial or scientific roles in health and human services professions, in public and nonprofit agencies, and in business and industry, as well as for advanced professional or graduate study. Students obtain a broad background in individual and family development across the life span. For more information on this major, visit www.yk.psu.edu and click on academics or call the Penn State York Admissions office at 717-771-4040.