Haskell American Indian Business Leaders Host Clothing Drive
Photo by: Contributed/Aziza Smith
The Haskell American Indian Business Leaders student club is hosting a business casual clothing drive throughout February. The club plans to donate the clothes to local youth through a “pop-up closet” event once the drive is complete.
The Haskell American Indian Business Leaders student club at Haskell Indian Nations University is organizing a clothing drive aimed at collecting “gently used” professional attire for the Lawrence community. This initiative encourages the donation of items such as button-up shirts, dress shoes, skirts, slacks, ties, and blazers.
Club president Aziza Smith, a senior, shared that the drive was inspired by the challenges faced by students lacking business attire in preparation for conferences and job applications. In the past, students often had to seek financial help to procure the necessary clothing.
Currently, donations are being accepted from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kiva Hall, 305 Zuni Ave. Smith emphasized that the goal of the club is to foster leadership among young adults, helping students feel confident as they navigate job markets.
“This is our first clothing drive, and we hope to extend our support to Native youth beyond the campus,” Smith stated. The drive will conclude at the end of the month, followed by a “pop-up closet” event where local organizations can access the donated items.
Initially, the clothing will be offered to Native youth groups in the Lawrence area, including the intertribal club at Lawrence High School and Native American Student Services within the Lawrence school district, before expanding availability to Haskell and KU students and eventually the public.
Smith is optimistic about the community’s participation. “We hope to provide clothes for those who need them, beyond just the campus community,” she remarked.
Photo by: Contributed/Aziza Smith
Aziza Smith, a senior and president of the American Indian Business Leaders chapter.
Photo by: Contributed/Aziza Smith
Members of the Haskell American Indian Business Leaders student club volunteering at South Park during Lawrence’s “Art in the Park” in 2025.
For those interested in donating to the clothing drive, please visit Kiva Hall during the specified hours. Your contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of local youth!
