The Child and Family Studies Association (CFSA) is collecting comfy clothes to donate to the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau.

The Safe House is a private nonprofit dedicated to providing refuge to people affected by domestic violence and abuse. They provide a 24-hour crisis hotline, shelter, counseling, court advocacy and education programs to the public.

Assistant professor of child and family studies Sara Garner said the main goal of CFSA is to connect students and drive awareness to the department. This goal led them to look into local service projects.

During the process of choosing a charitable program, some of the association members completed internships with the Safe House and asked what the residents needed most. All items CFSA is collecting were directly requested by the Safe House.

Senior and CFSA president Yamilet Campos said the Safe House receives donations of regular clothing, but receiving pajamas and loungewear items are rare.

The pajama drive is collecting more than sleepwear. The Safe House for Women requested other less-obvious items they are in need of, including towels, blankets, hoodies and socks. They need all sizes of clothing, from children to adults.

Campos said the turnout so far has been good. She said she has felt hopeful seeing the Southeast community give generously to a good cause.

“It has honestly been extremely successful, especially for how small our organization is. We have been able to get the word out through Facebook, through Living at Southeast and with flyers, and we have already collected a lot more than we thought we would,” Campos said. “So that is something we are extremely grateful for from the campus and the faculty at SEMO.”

Campos said the senior officers in CFSA have tried to “revamp” the group this year, focusing more heavily on providing peer support and finding volunteer opportunities for their members.

Campos said working with other student organizations has fed her passion about domestic violence awareness. She said the smallest donations can have the biggest impacts on the individuals dealing with these situations.

“Speaking for myself and honestly anyone within the Child and Family Studies Association, it is extremely important to be able to support and provide for people who are in need,” Campos said. “Being able to give back and know that you are helping, even in the slightest way, is something that means a lot to me.”

Campos said the first round of donations will be delivered to the Safe House in April, and donations will be collected through the end of the spring semester.

The drive is accepting cash donations at @CFSA-Treasurer on Venmo.

For more information on the pajama drive or to donate, visit the Child and Family Studies Department Office in Scully Room 114.

The CFSA is open to all majors and meets at Noon on April 7 in Scully Room 111.

The Safe House for Women’s 24-hour crisis hotline can be reached at 1 (800) 341-1830.