Human services students fold hope into community effort

Several students in Penn College’s human services & restorative justice major provided volunteer support recently to the Union County Giving Closet.

“In the heart of teamwork lies the power to uplift communities,” said Morissa Taylor, a senior in the major from Williamsport. “Sorting through donated clothes for the Union County Giving Closet wasn't just about folding fabric; it was about folding hope, dignity, and warmth for those in need. Together, we turned determination into action and threads into stories of compassion.”

The Penn College team pitched in to bag clothing, toys, books and other items donated following the Common Threads Consignment Sale, a large sale of children’s items held at The Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness in Lewisburg. This was the 10th anniversary of the popular event. The items donated will help the Union County Giving Closet support local families in need of children’s clothing and supplemental items.

“It was wonderful to see so many volunteers from Penn College help us bag and load donations from the Common Threads Consignment Sale,” said Allison Collins, founder and director of the Union County Giving Closet. “I know how valuable everyone's time is, especially on the weekends! This group showed up on time, ready to work and kept up the same level of enthusiasm from start to finish. I was incredibly thankful to have their support on a day that can be long and strenuous. I truly can't compliment them enough on their positive attitude and the work ethic they put forth while supporting the Union County Giving Closet. We would happily partner with the students from Penn College again in the future.”

Emily L. Fink, a sophomore in the major from Jersey Shore, said, “There is just something about volunteering to help people that brings joy to my heart. I am so glad the human services and restorative justice program has so many opportunities that the students can have the honor to help with and to grow connections within our community.”

The Union County Giving Closet is a nonprofit organization that provides new or gently used clothing to children age newborn through grade 12 whose families are enrolled in the Union County Food Bank program.