Students in the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) chapter at Northwestern Oklahoma State University recently completed their Compassion in Action Dignity Drive for the 2021 fall semester.
SWAT is a student-run organization that seeks to enhance the social work learning experience. One of SWAT’s purposes is to employ community service projects while supporting community partners and their consumers. The Compassion in Action Dignity Drive is one of the community service projects SWAT students host to give back to the community.
This year SWAT was able to gather donations for the YWCA in Enid filling their personal hygiene product needs.
“The Dignity Drive was a success again this year and has allowed SWAT to provide basic needs to women and children,” Codi Harding, SWAT sponsor and assistant professor of social work, said. “We would not be able to provide these products to those in need without the generous donations.”
Donations included toothbrushes, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, laundry soap, deodorant and more. YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA-Enid provides emergency crisis-intervention services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
“Items needed for personal hygiene and everyday care are often not thought of as we give to others,” Julie Mayer, SWAT vice president and Enid senior, said. “It can be very uncomfortable having to ask for personal care items; even worse is going without them. Northwestern students and employees are fortunate to be able to recognize the need and respond accordingly.”
SWAT members would like to thank everyone who assisted with putting this event together and those who were able to donate from all three Northwestern locations.
“The Dignity Drive is an amazing opportunity for Northwestern students and employees to come together and give back to our community,” Perla Fonseca Torres, SWAT secretary and Enid senior, said. “On behalf of SWAT, thank you to all who participate and continue to make the Dignity Drive possible each year.”
Northwestern’s SWAT members and social work majors, with their hometowns, classification and SWAT involvement include Ty Albers, Woodward senior, member; Natalie Haskins, Woodward junior, member; Camryn Beaner-Howard, Woodward junior, member; Kori Leech, Kiowa, Kansas, senior, member; Patricia Lugo, Enid senior, member; Barbara McPherson, Enid senior, president: April Schultz, Alva junior, member; Jewel Shepherd, Mooreland senior, member; Fonseca Torres and Mayer.
For more information concerning the Compassion in Action Dignity Drive, contact Harding at (580) 213-3148 or clharding@nwosu.edu. For more information about Northwestern’s social work program, visit https://www.www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480