Drive to help homeless veterans extends deadline

Organizers have extended the deadline in UNMC’s effort to collect basic hygiene items and seasonal clothing to help homeless veterans.

Donated items will be accepted through Nov. 15.

The donation deadline has been extended to Nov. 15.

The College of Allied Health Professions’ Physician Assistant Program is asking for donations of basic hygiene items, including toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant, and seasonal clothing, such as hats, glove, mittens and scarves.

“The drive is going well, but we can certainly use more,” said Fran Higgins, communications specialist from the College of Allied Health Professions. Higgins and Wayne Mathews, associate director of the UNMC physician assistant program, organized the drive.

The UNMC PA program has ties to the U.S. and Canadian military, educating military PAs through its Interservice Physician Assistant Program and Canadian Forces Program.

But that isn’t the only reason to give, Higgins said.

“I would hope it would be important to every American,” Higgins said. “”Homeless’ and ‘veteran’ shouldn’t be in the same phrase.”

According to the campus response, she’s not alone in her feelings.

“There are lots of generous and awesome people here at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine,” Higgins said. “People across campus have responded and have sent things by intercampus mail, and one even ordered and shipped items directly from Target.”

The donations can be dropped off at a bin on the fourth floor of Bennett Hall, or departments can coordinate collections and contact Higgins to pick up donations. The drive will end Nov. 15, and donations will be delivered to the VA Medical Center.

“We want to say ‘Thank you!’ to everyone who donated,” Higgins said.