The Clark State College Early Childhood Education (ECE) program students will host the second annual Duffle Shuffle October 17 through November 18.

The Duffle Shuffle organized in coordination with Clark County Family and Children Services will collect and provide personal hygiene items to children in foster care in Clark County.

“Last year was a huge success with faculty, students and the community donating to this great cause. Employees of Clark County Children's Services were very thankful to receive the donations in 2021 and are gracious to receive donations again this year,” said Brielle Ward, early childhood education instructor at Clark State. “The Early Childhood Education students and I are hoping to have another successful donation this year to help as many Clark County children in foster care as we can.”

Ward said the Duffle Shuffle began as ECE students in the Socioemotional Development course learned about trauma and information regarding children in foster care they may face as teachers one day.

“My students and I felt the need to help as it is estimated 250,000 children in the United States enter foster care each year,” she said.

Ward said many children are given only 10 minutes to pack their belongings in a black trash bag they are provided by children's services.

“We hope to change this and provide each child with their own duffle bag filled with basic things they may need so they may only have to worry about packing their beloved things such as clothes, their favorite stuffed animal; things they do not want to leave behind,” she said.

Donation requests include but are not limited to: toothbrushes and toothpaste, hairbrushes and combs, deodorant, soap, shampoo and conditioner, and more. All items should be new and unopened if packaged.

The ECE students and Student Senate will be delivering the items and duffle bags to Clark County Family and Children Services in early November.

“Clark State students, faculty and staff strive to make a difference in our community,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “The Duffle Shuffle is another creative way to reach out and make a difference. I am proud of the Student Senate and ECE students for partnering on this simple yet effective event supporting children in Clark County.”

Drop-off locations for donations will be available at the entrances of Clark State’s main campus location in Springfield. Members from the community can also offer donations.

For more information, contact Brielle Ward at: wardb@clarkstate.edu