During the holiday season, the campus community is invited to support our international students through a coat drive organized by the Office of International Students and Scholars in the Graduate School and International Education. 

As temperatures drop, many international students from equatorial climates are experiencing freezing temperatures for the first time. Newly arriving students in the spring 2024 semester may not have space in their luggage for a bulky coat but may be surprisingly cold upon arrival. Campus and community members can help meet this practical need upon arrival by donating coats and other warm items such as sweaters, sweatshirts, hats, scarves and gloves.

The office welcomes donations of both new and used clothing but requests that used clothing be laundered prior to donating. For those without clothing to donate who still want to help, second-hand clothing stores around Fayetteville offer affordable clothing available for purchase.

Items can be dropped off at the ISS Office anytime between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday at 104 Holcombe Hall, 550 N. Garland Ave.

For more information, contact Sara Parrott, assistant director of welcome and belonging for international students and scholars, at sparrott@uark.edu.