LAKEWOOD — In a demonstration of love for the community, the student council at Southwestern Middle School facilitated a donation drive for the St. Susan Center and the UCAN City Mission in Jamestown and delivered the items on Valentine’s Day.

This caring group of students and staff collaborated for several weeks on a “Socks of Love” donation drive. They solicited donations of toiletry items (deodorant, toothpaste, combs, wet wipes and much more) snacks and socks at school. After gathering the needed items, they collaborated to stuff the pairs of socks with the items and tie them off with custom-made Southwestern Middle School labels noting that their effort is “made with peace and love.”

Via additional fundraising efforts, the students – accompanied by SWMS Student Counsil advisors Diane LaGrega and Suzie Lindquist – were also able to present a $200 check to both nonprofit organizations.

The donation delivery involved a group of nearly 20 representatives of the Student Council at SWMS. Upon arrival at St. Susan Center, they were greeted by Executive Director Bonny Scott-Sleight, who thanked the group and gave them an overview of the nonpofit’s efforts to feed the needy in the Jamestown region. She welcomed the students to consider volunteering someday.

Afterward, the group traveled to the UCAN City Mission to drop off Socks of Love. There, they were given some history and background about this nonprofit located in a historic former hotel. UCAN Executive Director Scott Linden explained how UCAN provides temporary housing and support to men in need before guiding them on a tour of the facility. The nonprofit receives no state or federal funding and relies entirely on donations.