Students Launch Hygiene Drive as Little Rock Temperatures Drop

Cold weather brings a specific challenge for people experiencing homelessness: maintaining basic hygiene. While coats and blankets often dominate winter donation drives, items like socks and soap frequently go uncollected. At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a group of students is addressing this gap with a targeted campaign to gather these overlooked necessities.

The initiative, called the Bags of Hope drive, began in late October. Ahmed Alnomani, Leah Beaumont, Jasmine Kearney, and Trinity Louden from the School of Social Work organized the effort. They are working alongside The Van, a local nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness in Pulaski County. Grace Maddox, a student interning with The Van, supports the group by handling outreach and sorting donations.

Alnomani noted that hygiene products often get forgotten as winter approaches. He said that a simple item, such as a dry pair of socks, can change how someone feels during their day. Louden emphasized that the drive is about recognizing the dignity of those living on the streets. She stated that she entered social work because she believes everyone deserves to be seen and cared for, not looked past.

Maddox has observed the nonprofit's operations closely through her internship. She helped prepare supplies for distribution and interact with clients. She said the most important lesson she learned was the value of building relationships with people rather than just handing them supplies.

The drive runs through Nov. 18. Donors can bring items to three specific locations on the university campus. The first is the School of Social Work on the fourth floor of Ross Hall. The second is the main lobby of Ottenheimer Library. The third is the main lobby of the School of Nursing. Additional donation boxes are placed at local businesses in Little Rock and Bryant.

The list of most-needed items includes socks, gloves, underwear, bar soap, menstrual products, and Neosporin. Other requested supplies are hand warmers, oral hygiene products, hair care items, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, wet wipes, bandages, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, flashlights, sunscreen, and batteries. Community members can also purchase items through an Amazon wish list linked on the campaign page.

Kearney described the drive as a chance for the community to come together. She said the effort aims to provide resources to individuals who deserve the same compassion and dignity as anyone else. For questions about the drive, the organizers provided an email contact, and the nonprofit's website is itsthevan.org.