Herkimer County Community College Students Collect Donations for Evelyn’s House in Utica

Students in Herkimer County Community College’s Community Health and Human Services Club recently organized a campus-wide donation drive to support Evelyn’s House, a safe and compassionate resource in Utica that provides transitional and rapid rehousing for young and homeless women who are pregnant, parenting, or both.

The club collected more than nine boxes of essential items, including baby formula, diapers and wipes, hygiene products, feminine necessities, burp cloths, first aid kits, laundry detergent, throw blankets, baby food, baby clothing, and gift cards. Additional toys and seasonal items were also donated.

“These students demonstrate what community engagement looks like in action,” said President Terri Grates Day. “Their commitment to helping vulnerable mothers and families reflects the values we strive to instill at HCCC.”

Evelyn’s House serves as a safe harbor for mothers facing housing insecurity, domestic violence, emergency shelter situations, or the risk of eviction. The organization provides resources, stability, and support services to help women and their children build strong futures.

“Our students worked very hard to coordinate this project,” said Assistant Professor and Club Advisor Grace Ashline. “Their generosity will directly impact women and families in need right here in our region.”

The Community Health and Human Services Club, open to students interested in human services, social work, and related fields, focuses on outreach efforts to support human needs and crises, and to create awareness of community and human service issues. The donation drive for Evelyn’s House is one of the club’s initiatives designed to make a meaningful difference for others while providing students with a service-learning experience.