UA Little Rock Students Launch Hygiene Collection for Homeless

Students in the School of Social Work at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are collecting hygiene products for The Van, a local nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness. The effort, called the Bags of Hope drive, runs through Nov. 18. Ahmed Alnomani, Leah Beaumont, Jasmine Kearney, and Trinity Louden are organizing the campaign. Grace Maddox, a student interning with The Van, is assisting with the logistics.

The project began with a recognition that seasonal needs shift as the weather changes. While coats and blankets often dominate donation drives in autumn, daily hygiene items are frequently overlooked. Alnomani noted that a dry pair of socks can make a tangible difference in a person's day. The students aim to use the drive to highlight the dignity of those facing homelessness, ensuring that basic care is provided alongside emergency shelter supplies.

Maddox has worked closely with The Van during her internship. Her tasks include community outreach, sorting donated goods, and preparing supplies for distribution. She observed that building relationships is often more effective than simply delivering items. She stated that meeting people where they are allows for stronger connections between the organization and the community it serves.

Kearney said the drive offers a way for faculty, staff, students, and local residents to contribute. The group wants to provide resources that reflect the same compassion and dignity given to friends or family members. Louden, who is studying social work, said she wants to counter the tendency to look past people who are struggling in public spaces. She described the drive as a reminder that individuals experiencing homelessness deserve visible care.

Donors can drop off items at three locations on the UA Little Rock campus. Boxes are available in the main lobby of Ottenheimer Library, the main lobby of the School of Nursing, and the fourth floor of Ross Hall in the School of Social Work. Additional collection points exist at local businesses in Little Rock and Bryant. A link page lists these community locations, and an Amazon wish list is available for those who prefer to purchase specific items.

The most requested items include socks, gloves, underwear, bar soap, menstrual products, and Neosporin. Other needed supplies are hand warmers, oral hygiene products, hair care items, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, wet wipes, bandages, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, flashlights, sunscreen, and batteries. The group will accept donations until Nov. 18.

People with questions about the drive can email the organizing team. More information about The Van and its work in Pulaski County is available on its website.