December 14, 2004

Winters in Houston are mild compared to cities in America’s Midwest or northern regions, but for those without proper clothing or a place to sleep, even moderately cold temperatures can seem sub-arctic.

The Staff Council Sock and Blanket Drive and KUHT Channel 8’s Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive are focused on warming up the holiday season for those in need, but time is running out to make donations. The sock and blanket drive concludes Thursday, Dec. 16, and the sweater drive winds down on Friday, Dec. 17.

“There are only a few days left for faculty, staff or students to make a difference in someone’s holiday,” said Joe Papick, Staff Council president. “The size of the donation isn’t important. A modest gift can mean the world for someone without access to such everyday resources such as socks, blankets and household goods.”

The Sock and Blanket Drive benefits Covenant House Texas and the Star of Hope and the Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive benefits multiple local charities including the Star of Hope and Christian Charity Services Center. Donations can be dropped off at any of the locations listed below.

For more information on Staff Council’s Sock and Blanket Drive, contact Rebecca Szwarc, executive secretary in Residential Life and Housing, at (713) 743-6030. For additional details on the Mr. Rogers’ Sweater Drive, contact Ann Crider, KUHT’s director of community education and outreach, at (713) 743-8414.

Sock and Blanket Donation Spots

Oberholtzer Hall – Lobby
A.D. Bruce Religion Center – Lobby
Hilton University of Houston Hotel – Lobby
Ezekiel Cullen Building – Room 403
University of Houston Science Center – Room 202
Cullen College of Engineering – Room E421-D3
McElhinney Hall – Third Floor Kitchen
Health Center – Room 106
University Business Park 3 – Room 253
General Services Building – Room 154

Mr. Rogers’ Sweater Drive

HoustonPBS/Channel 8 - 4343 Elgin St.
The Terrace at West University - 5151 Buffalo Speedway
The Terrace at Willowbrook - 7575 Willowchase Blvd.
The Terrace at Memorial - 11900 Barryknoll Lane
The Terrace at First Colony - 16900 Lexington Blvd.
The Terrace at Clear Lake - 780 West Bay Area Boulevard, Webster
Spring Shadows Place - 10100 Kempwood Dr.

Mike Emery
Memery@central.uh.edu