University Students Launch Hygiene Drive for Homeless

Ahmed Alnomani, Leah Beaumont, Jasmine Kearney, and Trinity Louden have organized a collection campaign to gather hygiene supplies for people experiencing homelessness in Pulaski County. The four social work students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are partnering with The Van, a local nonprofit, for the initiative.

The effort is part of the Bags of Hope drive, which accepts donations through November 18. Grace Maddox, a student interning with The Van, supports the project. She has assisted with outreach, sorting contributions, and preparing items for distribution.

Louden stated that the drive aims to acknowledge the dignity of individuals facing housing instability. She said, "I am going into social work because I believe everyone deserves to be seen and cared for. It is easy to look past people who are struggling right in front of us. I want this drive to be a reminder that they deserve the same care and dignity we’d want for anyone we love."

Alnomani noted that hygiene items are often overlooked as winter approaches. He explained, "Something as simple as a dry pair of socks can make a real difference in someone’s day." Maddox emphasized the relational aspect of the work, stating, "One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how important it is to meet people where they are and build relationships rather than just provide supplies."

Kearney described the campaign as a way for the university and wider community to provide resources. She said, "This drive is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and provide resources to individuals who deserve the same compassion and dignity as anyone else."

The most requested items include socks, gloves, underwear, bar soap, menstrual products, and Neosporin. Additional needs include hand warmers, oral hygiene products, hair care items, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, wet wipes, bandages, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, flashlights, sunscreen, and batteries.

Donors can leave items at three campus locations: the fourth floor of Ross Hall, the main lobby of Ottenheimer Library, and the main lobby of the School of Nursing. Collection boxes are also situated at local businesses in Little Rock and Bryant. The nonprofit provides an online wish list and a directory of community drop-off points. The Van accepts donations until November 18.

Questions regarding the drive can be sent via email. Information about The Van's operations in Pulaski County is available on its website.