We are thrilled to celebrate UMass Dartmouth nursing students — Paige Bourgault, Maya Brown, Jasmine Borges, and Edward Barcellos for their partnership with GiftsToGive on their service-learning project this year!
Junior nursing student Jasmine Borges explains, “I wanted to work on a project that had an impact on children’s daily lives. Access to hygiene products is something most of us take for granted, but I realized that many families in our community struggle to afford these necessities. That motivated me to create a project that directly addresses that need.” The nursing students’ efforts to provide essential hygiene and personal care products aligned with the core purpose of GiftsToGive which is to support children and families who are unable to access such necessities.
To collect these items, the students developed a thoughtful and strategic approach-targeting high-traffic areas on campus and promoting their mission through social media, emails, and personal outreach. “We sent out a mass email to other nursing students and placed boxes around campus. We also had a box set up at the New Bedford Fire Department (Station 9). We weren’t getting many donations, so we decided to post about it on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. We were able to either get donations through friends and family or have money sent to us through Venmo, so we could purchase the items we needed,” junior nursing student Maya Brown shared.
Paige Bourgault, Maya Brown, Jasmine Borges, and Edward Barcellos
The students collected a variety of essential hygiene items including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, socks, and underwear. “We followed a process to ensure the products were safe for use as they were given to children. We focused on specific items that are in high demand, checked expiration dates, and sorted them — making sure they were either new in sealed boxes or in good condition before delivering them to GiftsToGive. This ensures that the donations are safe, helpful, and ready for distribution,” Borges explained. It is an important part of GiftsToGives’ mission to incorporate younger groups — like these nursing students.
Long-time volunteer manager Martha Kay, who set up the joint project, shared that she would “like to see GiftsToGive infused with younger people. There’s so much that we can accomplish together, but getting people interested is what matters. Working with UMass Dartmouth students — or any youth is important.”
Junior nursing student Edward Barcellos valued the opportunity to be involved with GiftsToGive. “The organization has been extraordinary in giving us a glimpse behind the curtain of the assistance that is being offered to families in need. So, I would strongly recommend them to anyone who wants to get closer to their community.”
Jim Stevens our CEO said that “these young people collectively are a bright and shining light, focused on what is best about us as people. We are proud to know them.”
(Story by Marissa Sebastiao)