Pacers for Justice and Peace started a collection of household and personal goods for local refugees on Monday, Feb. 20. According to Sr. John Michele Southwick, IHM, assistant director of Campus Ministry, the group will most likely keep the collection going until the end of the semester.

The group hopes to collect personal hygiene items like soap and toothbrushes, clothing for adults and children and household items like kitchen supplies and bedding.

Sr. John said the group plans to donate the items from the collection to Catholic Social Services in Scranton, an agency approved for taking in refugees. Catholic Social Services aids refugees in becoming oriented with the area and helps them find housing and employment.

“I just think with all of what’s going on in our country at the present moment, this is one thing we can do to help people in need, to help people feel safe and to make people feel comfortable,” said Sr. John.

Sr. John said Catholic Social Services needs volunteers to help refugees with errands like doctor’s appointments and shopping trips. Melinda Krokus, assistant professor of religious studies, is trying to get a group of volunteers together who want to help in a hands-on way.

Anyone wishing to donate items to the Pacers for Justice and Peace collection can find boxes in the Learning Commons, Liberal Arts Center, McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, Campus Ministry and the Fireplace Lounge of the Nazareth Student Center.

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