August 11, 2025 — In an ongoing alliance with the Children’s Home Society of Florida, or CHSF, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of local children and families, University of Florida College of Medicine faculty, staff and students teamed up to hold a clothing drive for Gainesville’s youth. 

The collaboration was a huge success, collecting so many items for Metcalf Elementary School and CHSF community partnership schools M.K. Rawlings Elementary School and Howard Bishop Middle School that not one but two vehicles were needed to transport the clothes from UF’s George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building to the society’s Gainesville base. 

“I feel fortunate to work among such an incredible community,” said Daressa Hope, M.A., assistant director of M.D. admissions and one of the drive’s organizers. “Collectively, our student, faculty and staff support is the sole reason this initiative was successful.” 

The idea for the drive came about during a discussion of the current needs of Gainesville schools with school wellness coordinators. They explained how a lack of access to clothing can present obstacles for students, disrupting their education. Hope and her colleagues listened to common examples from educators. For instance, a student may need to be sent home if there is an incident that soils their clothing.

To address this gap, Shelley Collins, M.D., FAAP, a professor of pediatrics and senior associate dean of educational affairs, Paul Clifford, a second-year medical student, and Hope organized and hosted the clothing drive in July.

 “My simple hope is that the clothing received will create one less barrier for students and families in terms of their quest for a quality education,” Hope said. “I also hope when they receive these items, they feel the love from our community.” 

For future service opportunities to support Gainesville students and get them involved with science and medicine, the College of Medicine plans to continue collaborating with the Children’s Home Society of Florida. 

“Beyond the hanger, donated clothes become a steppingstone for someone,” said Carressa Hutchinson, community partnership school director at Howard Bishop Middle School. “You’re building confidence, one garment at a time. Metcalfe Elementary, Rawlings and Howard Bishop Middle School greatly appreciate all of the donations.”