A class of Winona State University nursing students is collecting materials to send to military nurses based in Iraq as part of National Nurses Week May 5-9.
The students are enrolled in a class led by Professor Karen Gardner. The class of core students meets several times each semester until graduation.
Each semester the class participates in a service project.
Projects in the past include creating Halloween decorations for the nursing office, making Christmas cards for the elderly and making Valentine’s Day cards for Winona State faculty.
Winona State junior Kristina Pick, 21, said her uncle, who has served in the military, put the group in contact with a nursing supervisor in the Air Force stationed in Iraq.
The nursing supervisor sent the group’s information and interest to several nurses, and the group received numerous responses.
Pick said the nurse the class is in contact with suggested the class collect donations for the Iraqi patients, most of whom come to the hospital with nothing.
"Making an impact on others thousands of miles away gives me hope that other student nurses will realize the value and power of caring in the clinical setting,” Pick said.
The local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Eagle’s Club have both promised the class donations to help pay for shipping costs.
In addition, Pick said the class plans to write notes to the soldiers, thanking them for their efforts and for serving the country.
To date, the class has collected approximately 50 pounds of donations.
Donations are accepted through the month of April.
Items being collected include: monetary donations, boxed wet wipes, lip balm, non-perishable food items, gently used clothing of various sizes, blankets of all sizes, children's toys andstuffed animals, soccer balls and Frisbees.
Items can be delivered to Karen Gardner, Stark Hall Room 329 or be put in the donation box in Stark Hall Room 322.
For more information contact Gardner at KGardner@winona.edu or Pick at KRPick8696@winona.edu.