Peer Advocates Support Troops

The Peer Advocates held a three-day donation drive for troops overseas. The group plans to send care packages of personal hygiene items to troops in the spring.

The reasoning behind why the packages will be sent out later rather than sooner has to do with what junior Peer Advocate leader Brittany Adair said is “the holy jolly season we are in now.”

“During Christmas time, the troops tend to get the most supplies from home. We figured we’d send the packages out during the spring time, where they do not get as many packages,” she said.

The troops receiving the packages are still unknown, as is where the packages are being sent. The contents of the packages are going to be basic needs for the soldiers, mainly personal hygiene items such as soap and shampoo. Senior Peer Advocate Erin Kramer mentioned that if enough donations are given other more non-essential items could be given, such as “trinkets and other fun things.”

Salvatore came up with the original idea during a meeting for the advocates, and he started the planning for the actual event.

“Jeff [Salvatore] came up with the idea at first. Then after he brought it up we all kind of just ran with the idea and added our own touches too it,” said sophomore Peer Advocate Jess Haper.

Overall the event was a success. The Peer Advocates would like this event to be continued each semester as a tradition held by the campus, and if at all possible have more of the students and community involved next time.

Adair believes students should support the troops. “I think it could be just one of those things where it’s out of sight out, of mind you know. We would like to make it so everyone has a chance to keep the troops in mind,” said Adair.