UH makes most donations in state

UH donated 910 pounds of clothing to rank first in the state and seventh in the country in the oneShirt National Collegiate Clothing Drive.

More than 100 universities and colleges from 35 states participated by donating clothing and hangers.

“About six organizations and some individuals participated. We’re happy we have this campaign,” said Kate Gaviola, student government director of external affairs. “It’s the first time we’ve had it here in Houston.”

The organizations competed for the most pounds collected. Only four pounds separated the top two winners.

“Alpha Phi Omega collected 370 pounds and Alpha Epsilon Delta collected 366 pounds,” Gaviola said. “Since one only lost by only four pounds, I think they both deserve to be the winners. We’re waiting on SusatainU for their prizes.”

GoodWill collected the clothing earlier this week.

“We called GoodWill to collect all of the clothing,” Mark Lane, political science sophomore and SGA Associate Director of External Affairs. “It was fun getting to see all of the hard work paid off.”

Students and faculty on campus were thankful for the opportunity to donate since they didn’t know how to rid of the excess clothing.

“We had people contact us saying it made it easier for them,” Gaviola said. “It’s great for people to see UH in the community helping out.”

The drive occurred at the end of February. It was the first time UH has participated.

Since the event was such a success, Gaviola said SGA started another clothing drive focused on the greek organizations.

“We’re starting off the first annual greek clothing drive this week,” Gaviola said. “No one has ever done it before. The deadline will be the day before Frontier Fiesta.”

The drive was sponsored by SustainU, an American clothing company based in West Virginia promoting recycling and eco-friendly practices through the textile industry to provide to those in need.