Interact members are currently hosting a homeless necessities drive to help gather items used daily for the homeless. Interact will donate to shelters all around Dallas. Kyle’s Place, a youth donation center, will be the main source.
The drive was started by Interact officers years ago when students wanted to help those who struggled during COVID-19. Daily needs like toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, socks, shampoo and conditioner are the basic necessities that benefit the shelters and make an impact in the community.
“We’ve been doing this drive every year since 2019-2020,” Interact sponsor Blake Hollowell said. “It was our way of adjusting to the times, especially because the need had become greater as people found themselves financially struggling and having to leave their jobs.”
Donations can be dropped off in the collection bin outside of Hollowell’s room in E111. A collection drive will also be held outside the Walmart on Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 8:30 to noon. Officers will be outside to help with any questions. Interact is also seeking other opportunities to set up at stores other than Walmart.
“I’m overseeing the event and making sure everything runs smoothly,” Interact president Brianna Sibounheuang said. “I’m also contacting people in the community to see how we can help them.”
Interact hopes to surpass 6,000 items this year like they did last year.
“The past year we had so many donations collected that they ended up giving it to other homeless shelters,” Interact vice president Bella Santesteban said. “It just feels really great to give back outside of LHS, and that’s what Interact strives for every year.”
![“The feeling I get is a sense of accomplishment knowing I managed to make at least one person happy by collecting,” Blake said. “Knowing what we collect and [who] it goes toward – people get a sense of accomplishment from that.”](https://farhar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/BLAKE.IMG_9951.jpg)
