On Tuesday, November 19 the Kean community was welcomed to Share the Warmth in Downs Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Several organizations hosted the event including Cougar Connections Center of Social Work, Center for Leadership and Service, Office of Residence Life, Kean Athletics, Office of Student Retention and Educational Innovation, Cougar Pantry, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Kean Wellness Center.
Downs Halls had racks and bins of clothes for students to choose from. Students also had the opportunity to enter a raffle to win prizes and eat food from wrap, fruit, and vegetable platters.
Aaliyah Robinson, Grant Coordinator for Cougar Connections Center of Social Work explained the purpose of the event.
“This week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, so we decided to plan a shopping event for students here on campus to shop for new and gently used winter clothing items,” stated Robinson.
“So that’s like hats, gloves, jackets, scarves, mittens, things like that. The reason why is because we know that there is a need for things and things can be expensive and sitting cold outside. So, we just wanted to warm up the Kean community.”
Keiry Escobar, a freshman and Architect major from Elizabeth shared why she decided to come to Share the Warmth.
“To look for some new clothes. And because last semester, with my friends, we looked at this event too and we found a lot of beautiful clothes and we spent a fun time together, so I said why not again.”
Shiuli Roy, a freshman and Cellular Molecular Biology major from Edison appreciated the resources available on campus.
“I decided to come to this event because it has very nice resources, especially now that Winter is coming, and I really did need an extra jacket,” said Roy.
“I picked up these shoes and I’m really happy I got them because most shoes do not look good, or they just don’t fit me. These shoes are perfectly fitting me and I’m really grateful for that. I’m really grateful for Kean University organizing these events because they are really helpful.”
Kean University looks forward to opportunities that not only engage the Kean family but also involve giving back to those within our community. Share the Warmth was a successful event that was provided to help those within our campus community during this holiday season.