With the chill of winter just around the corner, students at Texas Lutheran University are thinking of others—and they want to do something to help those in need. The TLU Holiday Hope Drive, hosted by the TLU Black and Gold President’s Council (BGPC), partnering with KWED radio station, will run November 1 to December 6. The goal is twofold: to provide warm winter clothing, blankets, and other essentials to those in need at Thriving Hearts Crisis Center (formerly the Seguin Family Violence Shelter), and to bolster the efforts of KWED during their annual toy drive to benefit the Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa Program.
“At Texas Lutheran University, we're committed to ensuring everyone in our community experiences the spirit of the season,” says Courtney Burnett, president of BGPC. “The Holiday Hope Drive is essential because in South Texas, unpredictable winters make warm clothing crucial, and every child deserves to feel included in the holiday magic.”
Burnett says that once word got out about the drive, numerous student organizations offered to lend a hand, including Environmental Action (EnAct), the Center for Servant Leadership (CSL), Veterans and Society Together (VAST), Psychology Club, Social Society Club, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Pre-Health Professions Club (PHPC), Black Student Union (BSU), MOVE Texas, and Athletes in Action (AIA).
Want to know how you can help? For the clothing drive, gather new or gently used blankets, coats, jackets, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweaters, gloves, mittens, leggings, sweatpants, scarves, and other suitable articles of clothing for men, women, and children. (Please ensure socks and undergarments are brand new.) To donate to the toy drive, bring new, unwrapped toys, crafts, books and games suitable for ages 0-18. Drop off your donations at the various marked collection points on the TLU campus or in the Seguin community. So far, Seguin drop-off locations include Dietz Flower Shop, the Seguin Public Library, and the Seguin Chamber of Commerce.
“This initiative bridges the gap for individuals and families facing financial hardship,” says Burnett, “reminding us that warmth, comfort, and joy should be accessible to all, especially in this time of giving.”