The Oklahoma Christian University symphonic band is hosting a hygiene drive for Citizens Caring for Children. The Talon sat down with senior Elise Lewis, the PR officer for the symphonic band. Lewis has been playing trombone for the band for four years and is spearheading the hygiene drive.
The inspiration for this drive started last summer, Lewis explained.
“My internship with Expand Energy took our intern group out to Citizens Caring for Children, and we did a volunteer day with them and it was super fun. We were there for like three and a half hours, and we got to pack and pick out different outfits for children. We would get their sheets and have their names, their ages, their sizes, what they like, and just get to build a couple outfits for them. Ever since then, I’ve really been trying to find ways that we can support Citizens Caring for Children,” Lewis said.
Citizens Caring for Children is a non-profit organization based out of Oklahoma City that provides toiletries, clothes, backpacks, books and an assortment of other children’s items to foster children for free.
“They helped over 5,000 kids last year. They’re a non-profit and a super small organization, and they rely on donations to keep them stocked…aside from [these donations, they always need volunteers helping organize or to fill orders and all different things. So if this is something you’re interested in, you can check out their website and you can see how you can get involved too. It doesn’t have to stop here with us; it can keep going. And I hope this is something the band keeps up after I graduate, because they’re a really great organization,” Lewis said.
The hygiene drive is not the first event the symphonic band has hosted for Citizens Caring for Children. Earlier this year, during Cocoa & Carols, the symphonic band hosted a pajama drive. Lewis herself dropped off around 124 pairs of pajamas, which were distributed to children over the holidays. This semester, the band aimed to arrange a second service opportunity to support Citizens Caring for Children. Lewis said Philanthropy is an area the band should be more active in.
“I would like us to learn a little bit more into the philanthropy, because, I mean, yeah, we’re not a club, and we don’t like, get awarded for it, but it’s just a way that helps bring the people together. And it builds morale, and it feels good to help people, especially children that are in the foster care system, who have no say over their situations. Whereas we’re privileged to be here at this school where we’re at now, and if we can give back a little bit, whether that’s ourselves or our families or faculty and staff, I would like for us to invest more in that,” Lewis said.
There are several rules to follow when donating hygiene items. Products should be full size, rather than travel size, and preferably gender neutral. The age group ranges from newborn to 17 years old. Lewis gave some suggestions as to where people can shop for the items.
“If you need a good place that’s really cheap and you can get some good-quality hygiene products, go to Dollar Tree. Because they have everything from shampoo, conditioner, they have their toothbrushes, then they have all different kinds of hairbrushes, combs, hair styling products, deodorants, and it’s great. They have a lot of variety, and it’s a good variety that doesn’t lean more heavily towards one gender or the other,” Lewis said.
Suggestions for hygiene products include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, brushes, combs, hair products, mouthwash, face wash, deodorant, contact solution and feminine hygiene products.
“Basically think of anything you would use to get ready in the morning, and they can use it,” Lewis said.
Donations should be brought to the symphonic band’s spring concert on April 23, at 7:00 p.m. in Baugh Auditorium. A collection box will be placed outside the auditorium with someone stationed there to handle donated items.
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