University of Denver

February 01, 2008— The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) collected more than 1,300 coats and other winter items during its “Pioneers for People” coat drive in January. They delivered the items to the Denver Rescue Mission last week.

Items were collected at about a dozen campus drop-off locations Jan. 9–18.

The Denver Rescue Mission is a 115-year-old non profit dedicated to meeting the needs of the poor by providing shelter, food, medical services, educational programs and job training opportunities.

SAC member Karl French, staff assistant in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, says he was proud of the response to the drive.

“During 2007, 104 people died while homeless in Denver,” French notes. “The coats collected for the Denver Rescue Mission will help relieve some suffering and may save a life.”

“There are so many people in our community who are desperate for the warmth and comfort a coat provides,” adds Brad Meuli, president and CEO of the Denver Rescue Mission. “We are very grateful to everyone at the University of Denver for their wonderful coat drive which will make a huge difference in the lives of the poor and needy we serve.”