Huskie students are a little warmer this winter thanks to a successful winter clothing and coat drive hosted by the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) Student Advisory Committee (SAC).
“We decided to organize a coat collection drive to give back to the community, and Dean Fiala introduced us to the Huskie Closet coat drive which helps provide warm clothing to those in need,” said student and SAC member Molly Schmidt. “Knowing how harsh the winters in DeKalb can be and the challenges that can pose to individuals without proper winter gear, we realized how important this cause was.”
SAC members placed drop-off boxes throughout Wirtz Hall and publicized it throughout campus. Schmidt said that supporting the coat drive was a meaningful way to make a difference in the community. 
“Knowing how harsh the winters in DeKalb can be and the challenges that can pose to individuals without proper winter gear, we realized how important this cause was,” Schmidt said.
Associate Dean Sherrill Morris agreed, adding that the college was motivated by NIU’s values of environmental sustainability and accountability to our community.
“We collected and shared four large boxes of winter clothing – including more than 20 coats – with fellow Huskies via the Huskie Closet,” Morris said. “DeKalb winters can be brutally cold, and some in our Huskie family aren’t prepared for it. They may have moved to DeKalb from a warmer climate or past coats are no longer adequate.”
Julie Ann O’Connell, assistant director for the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies who oversees the Huskie Closet, said this clothing drive is a great example of Huskie spirit and is a testament to how the university builds community. 
“The Huskie Closet was started by students, for students, and it relies on the generosity of faculty, staff, alumni and students for donations,” O’Connell said. “The College of Health and Human Science’s Student Advisory Committee (SAC) donation of warm coats, hats and other cold-weather gear means that students in need from all over campus can be better prepared for the frigid Midwest weather. Thanks to SAC and their donation of time, talent and goods.”
Learn more about Huskie Closet.
