A total of 118 blankets and towels were collected during the University of Colorado at Boulder's community blanket and towel drive for the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless and the Boulder and Longmont Humane Societies.
CU's Office of Community Affairs partnered with the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity to distribute blankets to the homeless shelter. Students joined with university coordinators to recycle the items as they moved out of the residence halls last spring, which led to a successful outcome of the drive, said Gail Siegel, community affairs director.
According to shelter officials, blankets make a huge difference in the health and welfare of the recipients and are always needed for distribution to individuals who seek their services.
"Blankets play a key part in our outreach program," said Bob Walter, communications director at the shelter. "The blankets enhance our capabilities by still allowing a warm night to those who are unable to visit the shelter."
Towels were later included in the collection effort after community affairs staff learned that the Longmont Humane Society's doggy wash fundraiser was in need of them.
The Office of Community Affairs, the university's Building Community Campaign and CU-Boulder's student-run Residence Hall Representative Council sponsored the drive that was held in CU residence halls and at two University Hill locations, the Colorado Bookstore and SecondSpin.com.