With the temperature quickly dropping, signaling the approach of winter, a warm coat is a necessity. Although, many may not have the resources to buy these items and stay warm in winter. With this issue in mind, two campus groups teamed up to organize a joint winter clothing drive. 

The Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) and HandsOn K-State have the shared goal of helping community members during the winter months. Donation bins are available from Oct. 24 through Nov. 27 all across campus buildings, including: Dickens Hall, Hale Library, Throckmorton Hall, Leadership Studies, the K-State Student Union, Fiedler Hall, the College of Engineering and Weber Hall.

HandsOn K-State is an all-in resource for Kansas State students and Manhattan community members wanting to serve and get involved in the local community. Campbell McNorton, student coordinator for HandsOn K-State, believes that they have taken a behind-the-scenes role in this winter clothing drive. 

“We have hosted donation drives before, so we were open to collaborate with BRASA and share our knowledge with them,” McNorton said. “This sort of service is different than just volunteering because you are actively planning and making connections with others in the community.”

McNorton believes drives like HandsOn are important because they provide a way to give back to those who are in need.

“These drives ensure that your gently used items don’t end up in the landfill, adding to waste,” she said. 

McNorton engages in services throughout the school year; however, she believes that as the winter months approach, service is more important than ever.

“I would like to urge all K-State community members to get engaged with service during these next couple of months,” McNorton said. “Manhattan does a lot for K-State, so it’s important for us to return that favor. Coming together as a community is more important than ever. The collaboration with BRASA shows what can happen when there’s an idea and resources. HandsOn would like to encourage other student organizations looking to make the community better to reach out to us.”

The BRASA has taken charge of this project with the help of HandsOn K-State. President of BRASA, Luiz Otavio Pradella, felt inspired by his deep sense of gratitude towards the K-State and Manhattan communities.

“From the moment we arrived, we have felt warmly welcomed and supported,” Otavio Pradella said. “We believe that connection is a two-way street: while we help international students adjust to life here, we also engage in projects that contribute positively to the broader community. This drive reflects that spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility.”

HandsOn K-State has taken a backstage role, allowing BRASA to have the lead. The partnership has enabled the club to establish its name and become a more prominent part of the K-State community.

“We spent some time exploring how to make this project possible, and meeting Campbell McNorton from HandsOn K-State was a turning point,” Otavio Pradella said. “She listened carefully to our ideas and helped us navigate the administrative process to bring them to life. HandsOn has provided invaluable guidance, resources, and institutional support to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

This support extends beyond initial setup and resources. The collaboration with McNorton and the entire HandsOn K-State organization is fundamental to the project’s ongoing success.

“HandsOn K-State plays a crucial role in coordinating this initiative within K-State’s guidelines,” Otavio Pradella said. “Their experience and credibility lend structure and reliability to the project. Their partnership ensures that the drive operates efficiently and reflects the university’s standards of organization and community service.”

BRASA has received strong community support so far. 

“We’ve received strong engagement from both students and staff, and now have more than ten donation bins placed across campus,” Otavio Pradella said. “Each department we contacted was enthusiastic and supportive.”

The drive is extended until Fall break, and BRASA encourages students to educate themselves, donate and recognize the importance of their contributions. Bins are located in the halls listed above, and updates will be posted on the BRASA Instagram page: @brasa.kstate.