For the third year in a row, LSUS Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement opens a Hygiene Closet to assist students in need of various hygiene essentials.

Thanks to donations from The Links Incorporated, a longstanding nonprofit of African-American women serving Shreveport since 1973, LSUS DICE office now offers students access to hygiene products.

Dr. Kenna Franklin, an LSUS assistant vice provost and Links member, noticed several needy students on campus and shared this with her fellow Links members.

“They asked, ‘Why not stock your closet?'” Franklin recounted. “It’s distressing that students might lack access to these products, so we’ve made them available in our office.

“We’re thankful for community members eager to support our students’ needs. When a barrier emerges, they swiftly step in as partners to help students overcome it. Many of our members faced challenges meeting essential needs in college themselves, so they’re more than happy to assist.”

The Links Incorporated conducts an annual drive to gather hygiene items specifically for LSUS students.

The available products range from toothbrushes, mouthwash, and soap to deodorant, sanitary wipes, feminine hygiene products, washcloths, and towels.

Students can easily access these items in the DICE office, situated on the first floor of the University Center.

“We never want anyone to feel ashamed about having a need,” Franklin emphasized. “We provide discreet paper bags to ensure privacy during collection.

“We don’t keep records of names or the items chosen.”