Photo caption: Back row from left to right: Ashley Dietrich, Melissa Maben, Alycia DeBoer, Carly Snyder, Anna Bowman and Adara Grey; Front row from left to right: Shannon Pomorski, Lily Mathieu, Nicky Chezick and Alec Sturr

Senior nursing students from the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus recently demonstrated remarkable leadership and compassion by organizing a winter clothing drive to support the Refugee Education Center. The students collected over 30 warm coats, as well as hats, gloves and other cold-weather essentials to help families prepare for the winter season.

Amanda Alemdar, assistant professor with the College of Health Professions, said the initiative met an important community need and also highlighted students’ commitment to service, an integral part of the nursing profession. “Their efforts reflect the core values of empathy, advocacy and community engagement that define our program,” she said.

According to Alemdar, this is an initiative the nursing students have been involved with in the past, and when she proposed the idea recently, the students were immediately on board.

Carly Snyder, nursing student, grew up experiencing Michigan winters and knows how important an extra layer of clothing, especially a coat, is. That’s why she was more than happy to be involved in the clothing drive.

 “I am elated that the efforts of Davenport’s Winter 2025 Nursing Cohort will help keep members of our community warm this winter,” said Snyder. “Being able to provide those extra layers for those in need even made my life a little warmer and my smile a little brighter.”

Nursing student Alycia DeBoer was equally excited about the clothing drive. “This was an initiative that I could get behind because it involved helping out a vulnerable population that may not have the necessities they need,” she said. “It was meaningful because it helped me realize what a small difference I can make in someone’s life. It also allowed me to connect with other individuals who face obstacles that often go unnoticed.

Another nursing student, Anna Bowman, said the clothing drive was a meaningful project for her to be a part of. “It reminded me how fortunate I am not to worry about basic necessities like warm clothes for the winter,” said Bowman. “Having that perspective shift and the opportunity to refocus my energy on helping others was truly a joy. The Refugee Education Center does incredible work meeting needs in our community, so being able to contribute to their mission made this experience so impactful.”  

“We extend our sincere appreciation to our senior nursing students whose hard work and generosity made this drive a success, as well as to everyone who contributed. Their dedication is making a meaningful difference in the lives of local refugee families,” Alemdar said.