Cleveland winters can be harsh, and they are especially hard for the homeless members of the community. The Staff Advisory Council hopes to help homeless men stay warm this winter with their annual clothing drive, which collects socks, gloves, hats and scarves.

“It’s an easy way to help people who are displaced,” said Kathleen Dowdell, one of the staff members who is organizing the clothing drive.

Clothing donations will be taken to Care Alliance Health Center, a non-profit community health center that will distribute the clothing among Cleveland’s homeless men. Care Alliance has been serving Cleveland’s homeless since 1985, and its mission is “to provide high-quality, comprehensive medical and dental care, patient advocacy and related services to people who need them most, regardless of their ability to pay.”

The clothing drive was started five years ago, and at the beginning they only collected socks.

“We decided it was a good way for Case Western Reserve University to give back,” said Dowdell. It has since expanded to include other small clothing, and last year collected over 400 items.

The wider range of items has increased the clothing drive’s positive impact, as scarves and hats can be worn by a wider range of people in need. “There are more homeless families now,” said Dowdell, “so it’s good that we’re expanding our donations.”

To donate socks, gloves, hats and scarves to SAC’s winter clothing drive, bring items to Kathleen Dowdell at the Department of Anthropology, Mather Memorial R238 or to Kathleen O’Linn at the School of Nursing First Floor Reception Desk.