SIUE’s Cougar Cupboard Hosts “Share the Winter Warmth” Clothing Giveaway for Winter Essentials

SIUE's Cougar Cupboard Hosts "Share the Winter Warmth" Clothing Giveaway for Winter Essentials

On Jan. 15, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Cougar Cupboard hosted its third annual winter clothing giveaway, drawing more than a hundred students in the SIUE community. The "Sharing the Warmth at SIUE" donation and giveaway took place in the Goshen Lounge in Morris University Center.

"This is our third consecutive year, and this is our biggest turnout and the biggest donation that we've ever received," stated Lealia Williams, Student Care and Advocacy Coordinator in the SIUE Office of Student Affairs. "The whole reason we're here is to support our students. We want to make sure that they have all the things that they need, so they can be successful."

Freshman Danielle Seidenstricker, a Nursing student from St. Louis, stated, "It helps a lot of students, especially. Sometimes, it's expensive to buy winter clothing."

A total of 151 students participated, and 788 items were distributed, with items that ranged from comfortable winter wear to professional outfits, meeting diverse needs. Precious Osei, a graduate assistant in Student Affairs, stated "Initially, students would shy away, but with the basic needs initiative, it's making everybody come out of their shell and just take whatever because it's real."

The Cougar Cupboard will be hosting a toiletry drive soon, keep an eye out for the flyer!

The Cougar Cupboard remains a key resource for SIUE's community, promoting student success through donated essentials year-round.

Photos by Howard Ash