Group donates care packages for quarantined OSU students

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Oklahoma State University students in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19 may have a little something to be thankful for after a local group donated the first batch of many care packages.

The small group of Oklahoma State University faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members donated dozens of care packages filled with soup, crackers, candy bars and words of encouragement.

“Our faith prompts us to have compassion and to care about other people,” said alumna Emily Emerson. “I thought about how it would be to be a person on campus and have to be quarantined a couple weeks without anybody else, so I thought we could do something to make that time that they have to spend in quarantine a little bit nicer.

“We’d love to do this as long as there are students in quarantine,” she said Friday.

Director of Housing and Residential Life Dr. Leon McClinton said the donations are indicative of the Cowboy spirit.

“Everyone is all about supporting each other, helping us be successful,” he said. “We understand the importance of keeping this semester safe. We want to keep our students here, we don’t want to have to go fully online, and so we’re doing everything in our power to keep students safe.” 

Students living on campus who test positive for COVID-19 must remain in isolation for 10 days. Students who come into contact with individuals positive for the virus must remain in quarantine for 14 days. They can return home or isolate in an OSU-approved space. Learn more about the process here.

Tanya Massey, assistant director for residential living, has been busy making sure the needs of quarantined students are met. Sometimes it's something simple — one student really wanted Dr Pepper, and Massey made sure she got it — but Massey understands that little comforts can make a big difference. 

“Something I tell my staff is people trust us with their kids, and we need to be worthy of that trust,” Massey said. “It is really hard on these students. They feel isolated. They want to make connections. We really try to make sure that we are providing as much care and attention as possible.”

To make a non-perishable donation, contact Residential Life at 405-744-9158, reslife@okstate.edu or drop off items at 100 Iba Hall.

CONTACT: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405.744.5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu