Coffee Conversation: UMD student athletes kick off winter clothing drive for kids

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD student-athletes are teaming up to make a difference this winter through a community-wide clothing drive.

Led by members of the university’s DEI Council, including athletes Mattie Thompson and Emily Bastian, the effort aims to collect new or gently used winter gear — jackets, boots, hats, mittens, and more — for Duluth-area schoolchildren.

The drive kicked off November 3 during UMD basketball exhibition games and runs through December 5. Donation bins are set up at UMD home athletic events and participating local businesses.

The campaign will wrap up with a volunteer sorting event on December 8 in Romano Gym, where collected items will be distributed to local schools and the Area Learning Center.