The Psi Chi National Honor Society chapter at Whitworth University is hosting a Spring Clothing Drive from March 9 to April 10 as part of its semester service project, inviting the members of the Whitworth campus and community to donate clothing for those in need.  

“We decided that this service project was something we were passionate about because everyone can get involved, not just the psych department,” said Marin Russell, a psychology major at Whitworth and vice president of the society, “We decided to donate everything received to Spokane Catholic Charities, because they collect the donations and distribute them across shelters, people who are struggling with homelessness or low-income needs.” 

Two donation bins have been set up for collection: one in the student lounge of Dixon Hall and the other in the commuter lounge of the Hixson Union Building. Psi Chi asks that only gently used clothing, shoes and hats be donated. 

“I feel like we are accepting anything. We wouldn’t want items that are damaged, stained, or have holes,” said Berkley Blair, a psychology major at Whitworth and club secretary. “Our focus is on all ages, but since we are on a college campus, we might receive more items for young adults. It would be great to get both men’s and women’s clothing items.”  

Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, was founded in 1929 with the purpose of encouraging, stimulating and maintaining excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology and to advance the science of psychology. 

Events like the Spring Clothing Drive allow the mission of the Whitworth chapter to be put into practice.  

“We hope to inform people about psychology itself, but also mental health, without the stigmatization,” said Russell.  

While the Spring Clothing Drive serves as the club’s main project for this semester, the club has hosted numerous other service initiatives, such as a blanket tying circle and a bake sale for a Whitworth student who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as part of the society’s mandate.  

Psi Chi believes that people study psychology to help others and that assisting those in the local community fosters personal satisfaction and provides experience for one’s resumé. 

For information on how to be a part of the Psi Chi club or for other questions, email the president of the club @[email protected].