ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - As colder days set in, staying warm becomes especially important for students facing increased vulnerability during the winter months. To help meet that need, the basic needs care center at Cosumnes River College hosted a warm clothing drive to support students throughout the season.

The drive helped support the two-day Share the Warmth Bazaar, held Nov. 24 to 25 at the Hawk Cares Center, giving students the chance to pick out new or gently worn winter clothing donated by the community for free.

Racks of jackets, coats and sweaters lined the center’s outdoor space, along with bins filled with gloves and beanies, allowing students to put together warm outfits for the colder weather.

Ethnic Studies assistant professor Ricky Gutierrez Maldonado was present the day of the event, bringing his students to learn about the resources available from center staff. He said it’s important for him as an instructor to ensure students are aware of the basic needs services on campus.

 

Hawk Cares Student Ambassador Akash Singh poses for photo during the second day of the Share the Warmth Bazaar on Nov. 25.  

“It’s really sort of the basic resources that every student needs in order to sustain themselves, to be able to find a sense of space, support, of community so they can do well in their classes,” Maldonado said.

Since beginning his position about a year ago, Maldonado said he has made it a point to bring students to the center so they know where it is and how to access its services.

“The ‘community’ at a community college is all a part of a student’s education, and resources like the Hawk Cares Center and other resources on campus are important for a student’s journey to succeed, to grow and achieve their personal, professional goals.”

The Hawk Cares Center offers a wide range of support services for enrolled students, including food assistance through the Hawk Cares Market, study space and light refreshments at the Hawk Cares Lounge, professional attire for interviews through the Hawks Closet and housing assistance through Homes for Hawks, which includes a dedicated housing specialist.

The center now also offers laptops that students can check out and use on site, a service Maldonado described as a valuable addition that has served many of his students well.

 

Hawk Cares Director Oscar Mendoza Plascencia poses in front of the Share the Warmth Bazaar setup outside the basic needs center at 8401 Center Parkway, Portable 48, on Nov. 25.

Student Fariz Khan said he has visited the center regularly throughout the semester and has used both the housing resources and the professional clothing closet. He also noted the center’s efforts to increase grocery support during the government shutdown and its turkey drive to help provide food for students’ families during the holidays.

“They provide hygiene kits which I used to use; they also provide, well, pretty much anything you need,” Khan said. “And if they can’t provide anything then they’ll definitely help put you onto something that can provide those services that you need.”

To learn more about the Hawk Cares Center, located at 8401 Center Parkway/Portable 48, visit crc.losrios.edu/campus-life/hawk-cares-center.