April 8, 2013

Wayne State student athletes to collect toiletries for Detroit's homeless

More than 50,000 items collected since 2011

DETROIT - For the third consecutive year, the Wayne State University Athletics Department "W" Week Community Service Initiative, in partnership with Wayne Cares and Covenant House Michigan, will host a Basic Needs Drive to collect toiletry items for the area's homeless youth and adults.

From April 8 to18, the campus-wide drive is expected to amass thousands of items -- from toothpaste and toilet paper to shampoo and shaving cream. Marriott International, a dedicated sponsor since the drive's inception in 2011, has rallied nine of its Detroit-area hotels to donate over 1,000 items.

The drive culminates on Friday, April 19, when WSU athletes and volunteers will sort, assemble and distribute personal care kits directly to homeless individuals in and around Cass Park. They will also donate items to Covenant House Michigan for delivery to homeless and at-risk youth through its Street Outreach Program and at its shelter.

Since 2011, more than 50,000 items have been collected and distributed. For a complete list of suggested donations, visit the Wayne Cares website.

Covenant House Michigan helps thousands of homeless and at-risk young people every year. In addition to food and shelter, Covenant House provides job development services and crisis intervention to its residents and other young people. The organization also operates three charter second-chance high schools for drop-outs and at-risk students.

Marriott International, Inc. is a leading lodging company with 40 hotels in the metro Detroit area, representing Marriott, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites and SpringHill Suites brands. Participating hotels for the 2013 Basic Needs Drive include: Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, Courtyard Detroit Downtown, The Dearborn Inn, Detroit Marriott Southfield, Courtyard Detroit Troy, Courtyard Detroit Dearborn, Courtyard Detroit Auburn Hills, Courtyard Detroit Warren, and Residence Inn Detroit Warren.

Wayne Cares is a university outreach initiative that brings together the WSU community for the purpose of charitable giving. Its primary goal is to help university units work together and collaborate with each other for the good of the community.