Donations being collected for Seita Scholar welcome packs
KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University will welcome its fifth year of Seita Scholars this fall, and many of these students, who have aged out of the foster care system, will arrive without basic items to help make their school year successful.
The Seita Scholars program is collecting new items for welcome packs for these students and is in need of essential living and personal health care products. The goal is to have enough items for 50 baskets by Friday, Aug. 10. Baskets will be given to incoming Seita Scholars--former foster youth who qualify for the program, which offers free tuition and provides campus housing during breaks as well as other support services.
Drop-off times
Drop-off times for donations at Harrison Hall are:
- Monday, July 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 17, 5 to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 2, 5 to 6 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The program is named for Dr. John Seita, a WMU alumnus who is a nationally known advocate for foster-care youth.
Needed items
Essential items for the welcome packs include:
- Baby oil
- Baby powder
- Bathing sponges or puffs
- Body wash
- Clock radio with alarm
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products (unscented)
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Laundry basket (rectangular)
- Laundry detergent
- Lotion
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shaving cream or gel and razors
- Shower caps
- Shower shoes
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (Crest, Aim, Colgate)
- Twin blanket
- Twin comforter
- Twin jersey sheet set (extra long)
- Twin mattress pad
- Two bath towels, one hand towel and five washcloths
- Dry goods and food
- Financial contributions
For more information, email fyit-info@wmich.edu.