The Black Student Union is hosting their Spread the Love donation drive until Feb. 15 to support Doors of Hope, a local non-profit organization. Doors of Hope helps guide and support homeless families and families at risk of becoming homeless throughout Oxford and Lafayette County.

Students are encouraged to donate paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, socks, African American hair products and white t-shirts. All donations can be dropped off in the Fraternity and Sorority Life office from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Madison Logan Clark, a junior at the University of Mississippi, serves as the director of community service for the BSU. The general business major’s typical duties include organizing opportunities for students to participate in community service and serve the Oxford community.

“I love Valentine’s and just spreading love—I love what it’s about. I started to look for ways of how I can help the community and make people smile,” Clark said. “I stumbled across this organization called Doors of Hope.”

During a phone call with a representative from Doors of Hope, she learned that one demographic that Doors of Hope serve is single mothers.

“My mom is a single mother, so I understand and know what that’s like. And I would love to just give back,” Clark said.

Layla Scott is a sophomore criminal justice major at UM.

“I know how difficult it can be to struggle. I grew up watching a family member of mine not have much, but give to all. We always helped, but being such a small family, sometimes our efforts were just not enough,” Scott said.

Scott believes that this donation drive is crucial for families in need.

“This drive is so essential. It gives to the less fortunate and gives to the students as well,” Scott said. “It gives us a good feeling inside to help others who have less than us.”

Clark is unsure of how much has been donated already, but she hopes that people who donate leave with an understanding of how to help others.

“I hope that they get a sense of who they could give back to and a sense of more places in Oxford they could give back to, like Doors of Hope,” Clark said. “I’m wanting others to open their eyes and see what they can do to give back to their communities.”