Sexual Assault Awareness Month clothing drive

By Spencer Skolnick, Writer

When their clothes are taken for evidence, sexual assault victims could use a new outfit.

A clothing drive for victims of sexual assault, a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Volunteer Week, collected donations from April 13 through April 17 at UA.

Students and faculty could drop off donations of clothing or money during the week at the Center for Service and Leadership in the Student Union. The donated clothes were given to victims of sexual assault and abuse.

The campus drive collected several boxes of items and clothes, according to Alison Doehring, assistant director of Student Life.

“Drives like this are always great to see promoted on campus. They really reach people who are struggling locally and help,” said Taylor Rodenbaugh, a junior and active volunteer with campus service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega.

The clothes will be given to victims who receive treatment at local hospitals. When a victim is admitted to a hospital, their clothes are typically collected for evidence in sexual assault cases. The donated clothes provide the victims with a new outfit to wear home.

“We will be using our campus and community resources to help provide the items to the appropriate agencies. These agencies will then help us in providing items to those in need,” Doehring said.

The drive collected clothing that was new or gently used. It accepted t-shirts, sweat shirts, sweat and lounge pants, as well as cotton underwear and sports bras, of all sizes.

Along with clothing, people contributed tissues, deodorant, toothpaste and brushes, hair ties, and travel brushes.

Along with National Volunteer Week, this drive was a major part of UA’s contribution to and participation in Sexual Assault Awareness Month.