“A HOMELESS MAN FROZE TO DEATH ON OUR STREETS!”
That is the message written on thousands of fliers across campus. It was written by Dan Laxman, who was overcome with emotion after seeing a news report several months ago about a homeless man who died on the streets from the cold weather.
So he vowed to never let it happen again.
Laxman, graduate teaching assistant in the psychology department, is currently holding a food and blanket drive with Psi Chi, the psychology honor organization for which he acts as vice president of service.
Today is the last day to donate to the Psi Chi and Kappa Omicron Nu drive, which will benefit The Road Home homeless shelter (blankets) and the Utah Food Bank (food).
Tomorrow, the groups will deliver the goods to the Food Bank. Volunteers are also needed to help sort the items. Students who are interested in participating should meet in the Crimson Commons (by the pool tables) at 11 a.m. to carpool down. The group is planning to volunteer from noon to 2 p.m.
Ami Li, president of Psi Chi, said the homeless in Utah need resources in winter more than any season throughout the year.
“A lot of people that you see on the streets downtown don’t have anything,” said Li, senior in psychology and economics. “And there’s probably the same amount of people that have those extra resources.”
According to the 4th Street Clinic, there are 2,800 to 3,000 homeless people in the Salt Lake City area at any given time. About 35 percent of this population is made up of families.
Donations will be accepted today in the Behavioral Sciences Building, Room 504 or at the Alfred Emery Building, Room 228.
Members of either Psi Chi or Kappa Omicron Nu honor societies can receive service credit for active status by donating.
Students interested in volunteering at the Food Bank on Saturday should R.S.V.P. to Laxman by tonight at [email protected].