学生, 教师, and staff at North Park University last month gave away clothing, 毯子, and supplies to more than 225 newly arrived migrants from Mexico and Venezuela who are currently housed in a former military base nearby.
60名志愿者, comprising North Parkers and representatives from the North Park Community Association, Alderman Samantha Nugent’s office, 爱玛客, and other community groups, collected and distributed the items. They also hosted a lunch for the new arrivals—which included men, 女性, and children—featuring traditional Latin American food.
North Park held the event in Hamming Hall, and items distributed included coats, 鞋子, 手套, 帽子, 内衣, 和毯子. Once news of the event spread through the community, people stepped forward to contribute. 一位当地妇女, 一个编织者, heard about the effort on social media and sent a message to her fellow knitters across the country. They responded by providing 500 hand-knit 帽子 for the migrants. A group from Highland Park heard of the event and brought 10 carloads of donated clothing.
The event was an apt reflection of North Park’s mission, Tony Zamble说, director of 大学的部门.
“We are preparing students for lives of significance and service,” Zamble说. “Part of our mission is giving students the opportunity to experience the idea of God’s glory for neighbor’s good. These people are our neighbors; it’s a no-brainer that we would be involved.”
很多人捐款, Zamble说, that the group hosted a second, smaller-scale event at Peterson Elementary School several days later. Zamble and Vice President for Student Engagement Frank Gaytan said they hope this event is a spark for similar efforts. One idea in discussion is developing student-led English language classes for the migrants.
“We do these things intentionally because it really is who we are,” Gaytan said. “And not just this single event with the migrants, but we want our students to serve all our neighbors, 芝加哥, 这个世界. 这就是我们.”
In September, the City of 芝加哥 approved the $1.5 million purchase of the former U.S. Marine Corps facility at 3034 W. 福斯特大街. to house 500 migrants for up to 60 days each.