As we approach the end of the calendar year and enter the holiday season, the Tulane University School of Social Work has several opportunities for our community to give back. We would be most grateful for any participation in one or more of the following worthy causes.

Bike Drive

We are joining Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) Downtown Medical Districtin their Bike Drive for Tulane Medical Center Pediatrics. You can support this effort in one of two ways:

• Bring cash donations to the 3rd floor by December 4, and we will leverage our collective donations to purchase bikes.

• Bring a new, fully put together bicycle to the 3rd floor by December 9. All sizes, shapes and colors are all welcome. You might even be able to score an awesome deal on Black Friday!

In addition to the Bike Drive, you can donate to a Coat Drive. Before December 15, bring new or gently used youth and adult sized winter coats, gloves, or hats to collection points (black and blue barrels) in the lobbies of the Hutchinson, Murphy, and Tidewater buildings. We may also be getting one in Elk Place, so keep an eye out for that. Donated items may also be given to any TUPD Officer or dropped off at the TUPD Police Station located at 1201 Tulane Ave. Proceeds from the event will benefit various shelters including Covenant House.

Coat Drive

In addition to the Bike Drive, you can donate to TUPD's "Cops for Coats" Coat Drive.

Before December 15, bring new or gently used youth and adult sized winter coats, gloves, or hats to collection points (black and blue barrels) in the lobbies of the Hutchinson, Murphy, Tidewater, and Elk Place buildings.

Donated items may also be given to any TUPD Officer or dropped off at the TUPD Police Station located at 1201 Tulane Ave.

Proceeds from the event will benefit various shelters including Covenant House.

Plastic Bag Drive

Have plastic grocery and shopping bags lying around waiting for recycling? You can put them to use in another way - as sleeping mats for those experiencing homelessness. As shelters in our area are typically very full, many people outside in parks and on sidewalks. Grey plastic grocery bags to can be transformed into crocheted sleeping mats. Why grey? Because grey hides dirt better than other colored bags. Mats made of plastic bags make sleeping outside cleaner, drier, and warmer than lying on the concrete sidewalk or ground. They’re also portable and more durable than cardboard or other makeshift bedding.  Please bring your bags to the 3rd floor of Elk Place before December 18.

Toy Drive

The Tulane University Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is happy to launch its annual toy and gift drive on behalf of CASA for Children, an organization that works with abused and neglected children in foster care. Since 2008, the Tulane community has provided holiday gifts for hundreds of children each year in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany parishes. 

Toys must be new, not wrapped, and in original packaging and brought to drop-off locations on any campus. We have one on the third floor of Elk Place. They also accept online credit card donations here.

Gift donations will be accepted now through Tuesday, December 10. 

As you do your holiday shopping, pick up an extra gift for the toy drive, and bring a smile to the face of a local child in need. For additional information or questions, please feel free to contact SAC Community Service Chair at tbeck@tulane.edu or 504-314-2806. 

Scarf Drive

We would like to provide a Scarf Fence during the January 21 Elk Place Health Spot for members of the community.  Donated scarves, hats and mittens/gloves will be placed on the fenc’ on the sidewalk outside of our building with a “Need a Scarf….Take a Scarf” sign.  Any items left at the end of the day will be donated to Covenant House.  A collection box will be placed in the student lounge in December, and donations will be accepted up until the Health Spot on January 21.