This winter, the Ross Medical Education Center campus in Owensboro partnered with the Daviess County Lions Club and hosted their First Annual Coat Drive. They set up a barrel and many staff, students, and faculty helped to make sure it was full! Over the course of the drive, the campus and Lions Club were able to collect and donate over 100 coats for those in need this winter. All coats were donated to the residents of the local Daniel Pitino Shelter.
Daniel Pitino Shelter is a non-profit organization which offers both emergency and transitioning housing. Additionally, they provide food, physical and mental health resources, and even educational enhancement/life skills. The Volunteer Coordinator for the shelter was elated when the Owensboro campus staff approached her about the coat drive. She stated, “we desperately needed all sizes because, we service women, men and children residents and also the public with limited funding.” Every little bit helps, and Ross wanted to do more than just a little bit.
So, in early December, the morning Dental Assistant and Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration classes headed over to Daniel Pitino Shelter. They not only delivered the barrel filled with coats, but they also stayed and helped serve lunch to the residents and public. The Dental Assistant Lead Instructor, Amber Noles, said of the experience, “what a pleasure it was to help our community! Makes us realize how truly fortunate we are.” Later that day, the evening Medical Assistant class went to the shelter to serve dinner. Also, the students were so inspired to help, especially after learning that there were more than 20 children living at the shelter, that they felt compelled to also donate bags of clothes and toys to the residents. All of the students were very excited about their experience, and many of them have now started volunteering at the Daniel Pitino Shelter on a more regular basis. Campus Director LaTasha Shemwell was pleased not only to help the Pitino Shelter, but also that the students took such pride in going out and serving the community!
If you are interested in learning more about the Daniel Pitino Shelter and how you can help, visit their website at http://www.pitinoshelter.org/.