A committee of Arkansas Tech University students from the Because We Can organization led a campaign during April that collected more than $6,000 in hygiene items for Russellville School District students in need.
The project started when Skye Thompson, human services worker for the Russellville School District (RSD), approached Because We Can seeking assistance in providing RSD students and their families with necessary personal items.
“I have been left utterly speechless by what the students and the organizations of Arkansas Tech University and Because We Can were able to pull off for the students of the Russellville School District,” said Thompson. “We are blessed with some wonderful people who truly care about the welfare of others…people they don’t even know…and they truly want to make a difference.”
A group led by Arkansas Tech students Derec Carson of Witter, Stacy Galbo of Russellville, Christina Minton of Rogers, Alannah Mory of Dover, Sarah Rutherford of Batesville, Sydney Stone of Clarksville and Deandre Taylor of Larue, Texas, devised a competition that challenged various groups from across the Tech campus to collect items.
Personal contributions and gifts from area businesses were also received, and the grand total added up to 5,008 donated hygiene items valued at $6,706.38.
The Arkansas Tech Church of Christ Student Center won the group competition and the accompanying trophy (photographed).
The student committee was advised by Dr. Steven Berg, Dr. Sean Huss, Dr. James Stobaugh and Dr. Jason Warnick from the Department of Behavioral Sciences faculty and Dr. Jeff Mott, chief of staff in the Office of the President.
