STCC student leads collection drive for Afghan refugees
STCC President John B. Cook stands with Student Government Association leaders. From left: Monique Selden-Riley, Rebecca Lasky, Krysta Pacheco and Aminah Bergeron.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When she heard the news about Afghan refugees arriving in Western Massachusetts, Springfield Technical Community College student Aminah Bergeron decided to take action.
Bergeron, vice president of the Student Government Association at STCC, brainstormed with fellow students ways to help the refugees. Many of the Afghans settled in Springfield and other nearby communities and are in need of basic amenities such as clothing and hygiene products. The students agreed to organize a donation drive to collect necessities for newly arrived families.
“I know the families are struggling and have been through a difficult ordeal,” said Bergeron, of Westfield, who is studying mechanical engineering technology at STCC. “They’re struggling to find housing. They need winter clothing and things like shampoo, toothpaste, kitchenware and more. One thing that really breaks my heart is the kids. I hope things get better for them and they get settled in America.”
Bergeron thanks the college and SGA for their support. She is asking STCC students, faculty and staff as well as the community at large to help with the donation effort. Bergeron also has reached out to area businesses to see if they can pitch in with things like gift cards or furniture.
The deadline to donate is Dec. 16. The Student Government Association is asking for anyone to drop off donations in the Office of Student Activities, Student Learning Commons (Building 19), First Floor.
They are asking for the following donations:
- New winter clothing (hats, gloves and scarves)
- Gift cards (grocery stores and Visa)
- Hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste)
- Kitchenware (posts, pans, plates and utensils)
One thing that really breaks my heart is the kids. I hope things get better for them and they get settled in America.Aminah Bergeron, STCC student
Andrea Tarpey, coordinator of Student Activities at STCC, applauded Bergeron and the other student leaders for stepping up to help the Afghan refugees. “I’m proud of Aminah and the other student leaders for their charitable work. Their effort will make a meaningful difference,” she said
Darcey Kemp, Vice President of Student Affairs, said STCC encourages giving back to the community.
“’Community’ is one of our middle names at STCC,” Kemp said. “In this season of giving, I am heartened to see our student leaders taking on an initiative and helping those who are struggling in our community.”
According to MassLive, about 1,000 Afghan evacuees were seeking housing in Massachusetts communities. Afghans were leaving the country in the wake of the Taliban taking control of the country.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu