Nursing students from seven University of Wisconsin System schools joined forces to collect personal hygiene products for community organizations in honor of National Nurses Week.

Students at UW-Oshkosh, UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Eau Claire-Marshfield, UW-Green Bay, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Parkside collected soap, deodorant, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items to share with local organizations and agencies that serve vulnerable populations.

UW Oshkosh will donate their items to the Living Healthy Community Clinic (LHCC) in Oshkosh. LHCC is a free clinic that provides cost-effective medical care to uninsured and underinsured people in the area. LHCC is run by UW Oshkosh College of Nursing and services at the LHCC are provided by nurse practitioners, volunteer MDs and other volunteer healthcare professionals and gives nursing students real-world learning experiences.

“This donation will help community members who utilize the Living Healthy Community Clinic that may be struggling to purchase basic items,” said UW Oshkosh nursing student Lora Noworatzky.

Students collectively generated the idea and ran the drives at each participating campus. A unique collaboration across campuses and the state, the drive showcases nursing students’ commitment to their profession and the patients and populations they will serve in future practice.

“It means so much to me that we could make such a large contribution to the Living Healthy Community Clinic, the generosity of the donors is greatly appreciated,” Noworatzky said. “I’m so proud to be a part of UWO and the College of Nursing.”

The monthlong drive wraps up this week in celebration of National Nurses Week, an annual weeklong event that coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing.

For more information and updates on progress, check out #UWNursesGiveBack on Facebook and Twitter.