Wilkes-Barre campus collecting items in support of community organizations

DALLAS, Pa. — Penn State Wilkes-Barre is supporting community organizations through a donation drive planned in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.

The CommuniTree Donation Drive is collecting items for Unicornucopia, an agency providing birthday and holiday gifts for children ages 8 to 21 in group homes; the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, which serves veterans; and St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, where those in Wilkes-Barre can go for a meal or warm clothing. The drive is coordinated by the Staff Advisory Council (SAC) and supported by Chancellor Dale Jones as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service.

“The drive is one of the many ways we reach out to the local community. This event provides a means for student clubs and organizations, staff, and faculty to come together for a common cause. It is great to see our student clubs and organizations working together with staff and faculty to provide for those less fortunate,” said Student Activities Coordinator Jackie Warnick-Piatt, who helps oversee the drive.

Decorated boxes for donated items are located in the student commons. Items can be donated as follows through Thursday, Jan. 23:

• Unicornucopia: Socks, underwear, hygiene products, age-appropriate fun items, gift wrap (holiday and birthday), toiletry items (shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.)
• VA Medical Center: $10 gift cards to Walmart or Sheetz, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, body wash (no bar soap), toothbrushes, toothpaste, denture cream, denture cleanser
• St. Vincent DuPaul Soup Kitchen: Canned foods, nonperishable foods, socks, hats, gloves

Last year’s CommuniTree Donation Drive benefited Blue Chip Animal Rescue, Vision, Ruth’s Place, Back Mountain Head Start, Victims Resource Center, and Back Mountain Food Pantry.