WESTFIELD-As Haitians continue to grapple with the day-to-day struggles following Hurricane Matthew’s wrath last month, a group of student ambassadors at Westfield State University are hopeful that a collection underway will help make a small difference for many.
Student Ambassadors at Westfield State University have begun a Shoes for Haiti humanitarian project and encourages local residents to participate.
Students have launched “Shoes for Haiti,” collecting used shoes for all ages through Nov. 27 at several locations across the campus. Used shoes must be in “decent” condition, with no holes or damage marks, and need to be clean.
“We chose this project in an effort to expand the student ambassadors impact on our global community,” said Samantha Lee, Class of 2017, and co-president of the Student Ambassadors Program. Lee and the other ambassadors work closely with Kim Morgan, Student Ambassador Program coordinator, and Amy Szlachetka, director of the Ely Campus Center. Both Morgan and Szlachetka have been involved in the program for 10 years.
“Working with the Student Ambassadors is an honor,” said Morgan, adding, “They are an exceptional group of students that deeply care about their community, both locally and globally. I am always amazed at their ideas for reaching out and wanting to make a positive impact on those around them.”
As ambassadors, students provide opportunities for the campus community to engage in outreach programs, according to Lee.
“With so many students living on campus, we thought that this effort would be a great way to collect shoes from their dorms,” said Lee. “We had no idea we would be receiving so much support from faculty, staff, and the community.”
The Greater Westfield community is welcome to also drop off shoes at two locations – in the lower lounge area by Dunkin Donuts in the Ely Campus Center or in the Ferst Interfaith Center.
“This collection will directly impact and support those living in poverty in Haiti,” said Lee.
Lee explained that the entire ambassador program is working on this initiative.
“We have a working committee, made up of a few ambassadors, and then a larger group working to check and collect the boxes across campus each week,” said Lee.
Student Ambassadors of Westfield State University is a group of student leaders who represent the university in both professional and civic engagement based contexts, according to Lee.
“Our outreach is seen both on and off campus, working with organizations such as the Samaritan Inn, White Oak Elementary, and the Children’s Miracle Network out of Baystate Children’s Hospital,” said Lee. “Our ambassadors love Westfield State, and we work every day to make our community stronger.”
Lee has been involved with the group for three years and relishes every moment as co-president.
“I am thankful for the leadership and team-building opportunities this program has provided over the past few years,” said Lee. “The Shoes for Haiti project is a great example of the way the Student Ambassador Program has opened the doors for community building and civic engagement.”
