Now in its seventh year, SNR’s annual “Coats for Clinton” drive continues to provide coats and winter gear to the students of Clinton Elementary, located at 1520 N. 29th St. – just a few blocks away from SNR’s home building, Hardin Hall.
The 2014 drive resulted in several bags full of warm attire and $955 in donations.
“We received more money than ever before,” said Dennis Ferraro, professor of practice and chair of SNR’s community engagement committee.
Clare Nelson, Clinton Elementary family care coordinator, said that many Clinton families struggle to make ends meet, which means purchasing winter gear can be challenging. SNR’s cash donations will help those families swap out sweaters for winter-appropriate coats and replace worn-out shoes with new snow boots.
“The partnership that we have with the School of Natural Resources is very important to us,” Nelson said.
Ferraro said that SNR has always looked for ways to engage with its neighboring school – and will continue to do so.
“We not only collect winter outerwear and donations for the youth, but we personally invite them to ‘NaturePalooza,’ and the SNR Wildlife Club assists with their Family Nature Nights at the school each year,” Ferraro said. “By helping the youth and families of Clinton school, the SNR community is investing in all of our futures. Clinton students who are given warm coats will enjoy and do better in school. They will see SNR as more than part of the university down the street, and will hopefully engage with our community educational events and desire to become part of the SNR community.”
Individuals interested in making a winter gear or cash donation to Clinton Elementary are encouraged to contact Clare Nelson at 402-436-1132 or cnelson3@lps.org.
