The International Hospitality Program (IHP) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is seeking donations of gently used and new items to welcome the campus population of international students and help them adjust to life in the United States.
“The need for items is great at this time,” said Dr. Ron Schaefer, director of the SIUE Center for International Programs and a distinguished research professor at the University. “There are some unmet requests from our new, spring semester international students. The assistance the IHP provides each year demonstrates the warmth and generosity of the community.”
By providing items such as sofas, recliners, coffee tables, computer desks and more, the outpouring of support cultivates a spirit of friendship and inclusiveness for international students, Schaefer continued. He added it allows the international community on campus to feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Mattresses, beds, vacuum cleaners, dishes, pots and pans, blenders, silverware, blankets, sheets, towels, wash cloths and basic kitchen utensils are among some of the other items needed.
For information about the variety of items that are needed, or to make arrangements to have items collected, contact Susan Jernigan at sjernigan@charter.net, or 618-304-3443, or John Kautzer at kaut@ameritech.net, or 618-980-4415. Questions also can be directed to Schaefer at 618-650-3728.