WT’s ALPFA Student Chapter Collects Necessities for Family Support Services Clients

Contact: Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — The Association of Latino Professionals for America student chapter at West Texas A&M University collected hundreds of necessities for some of the region’s most vulnerable population.

ALPFA held a personal care drive campaign for the Emergency Safe House of the Family Support Services in Amarillo from Nov. 17 to Dec. 3. The Emergency Safe House fills basic needs of individuals and families who are dealing with crisis situations, providing safety, shelter, food and other necessities.

“I believe that we should be grateful for the opportunities that we have, and help other adults who are truly struggling,” said Georgina Anderson, director of WT’s ALPFA chapter.

ALPFA hosted a Feliz Navidad tamale party at the WT campus, which encouraged many donations to the Safe House.

“I’m glad that the campaign was successful because the Safe House is in great need of personal supplies that will help those who need it the most,” said Dr. Leslie Ramos Salazar, faculty adviser and Abdullat Professor of Business Communication and Decision Management.

The drive collected hundreds of items from the Safe House wish list, which included personal hygiene products, shampoos/conditioners and body wash, among other personal care items, Anderson said.

“The items collected at WTAMU will make a tremendous difference to our clients in transitional housing and at the Emergency Safe House,” said Joette Campbell, FSS’s chief development officer. “Many come to us with only the clothes they are wearing. They have nothing, except hope for a violence-free future. The simple necessities of life that most of us take for granted mean so much to them.”

Donations may be made at fss-ama.org/donate.

Meeting regional needs and fostering a sense of community are key goals of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World . That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Photo: Family Support Services'  Lisa McClelland and Cynthia Valencia, center, accept donations from the Association of Latino Professionals for America student chapter at West Texas A&M University, represented by adviser Dr.  Leslie Ramos Salazar, left, and member Georgina Anderson, right.

About ALPFA

ALPFA at WT is a Latino and international student chapter that focuses on business leadership and career development. ALPFA is a chapter of the ALPFA national chapter who serves more than 95,000 professional and student members across the United States, which offers scholarships, paid summer internships, and career opportunities. For more information, visit alpfa.org.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 40 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WTAMU—