Student Spreads Hope Through Service Project

Clothing donation initiative promotes sustainability and supports those in need

Andrews University senior Katherine Pierre stands outside Lamson Hall, showcasing a basket filled with recently donated items from University students. (Photo by Nicholas Gunn)

Katherine Pierre, a senior biology major on the pre-medical track at Andrews University, has made a significant impact on the Andrews campus through a clothing donation initiative that promotes sustainability and supports those in need. Pierre began this initiative during her sophomore year, beginning with the simple goal of recycling, but it has since evolved into an important resource for multiple local families.

Hailing from Maryland, Pierre attended Tacoma Academy before coming to Andrews. Her passion for service was ignited during a medical mission trip to Haiti in eighth grade, where she witnessed disparities in access to basic needs and education. This experience shaped her commitment to helping others, inspiring her to engage in various service projects both internationally and locally. The disparities in health care that she witnessed in Haiti encouraged her to pursue the pre-medical track at Andrews with the goal of one day becoming a doctor to help those in need. She chose to study medicine after discovering a passion for being hands-on and involved in the communities she has served.

While living in the Lamson Hall dormitory on the campus of Andrews University, Pierre noticed an abundance of clothes left behind by students at the end of the school year, often destined for the trash despite being in fine condition. Determined to change this, she collaborated with dorm administrators to create donation bins in the laundry rooms, encouraging students to recycle their clothes instead of discarding them.

“At first, I would collect the clothes and take them to thrift stores, but I wanted to find a way to directly support those in need,” Pierre said. With the help of Diana Baltazar, custodial supervisor at Lamson Hall, Pierre was introduced to immigrant families living nearby who could benefit from the donations. Now, Pierre collects, washes and distributes the clothes directly to these families.

The initiative not only helps reduce waste but also addresses a critical need for clothing among local families. “For me, this isn’t a big deal,” Pierre shared. “It’s just about making a simple solution for something that should already be happening.” By transforming discarded clothing into a resource for those less fortunate, Pierre emphasizes the importance of community and environmental stewardship.

Now, as she approaches the end of her senior year, Pierre hopes to pass her project on to other students. “I want to find someone to take over this initiative and possibly turn it into a thrift store at Lamson Hall,” she shared. “There are many students here who might need clothes or want to recycle theirs, and I’d love to see this grow.”

For Pierre, the act of giving back is not a burden but rather a calling. “I feel like I’m just a connecting piece between surplus clothing and those who need it,” she said. “It’s rewarding to know that these clothes are being used rather than thrown away. I hope to inspire others to take up similar initiatives.”

Pierre's vision extends beyond clothing donations. She encourages her peers to adopt sustainable practices, including recycling. “I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in recycling on campus,” she remarked. “I hope to see more students get involved in this and take it to the next level.”

As Pierre prepares for her next steps after graduation, she remains committed to her mission of service. “My parents instilled in me the importance of using my blessings to help others,” she reflected. “I feel that any opportunity to help, whether big or small, is essential, and I should always strive to do more.”