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Business students gather hundreds of clothes for homeless children.

In an effort called "Dress a Child for the Holidays," students in the College's Business in Society course collected clothing and raised money to purchase clothing for children in area homeless shelters. Hewlett-Packard, Burger King, smaller area businesses, and private individuals made generous contributions.

"The event went even better than we hoped," said Marsela Vargas, one of the participants. "Half our class delivered 110 bags of clothing to the Community Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. (CPHI) shelter in downtown Miami. The other group took an equal number to the shelter in Homestead."

Vargas said that more than 100 children, ranging in age from newborns to eighteen-year-olds, received much-needed items at both locations. The students were able to provide suitable clothing for everyone, regardless of the recipient's age or need. In fact, they had gathered so many articles that fifteen of the bags taken to both locations were set aside to meet future requirements.

To make the occasion special, the students staged a party at each center, providing food as well as the clothing. One homeless man even dressed up as Santa Claus at the downtown center and presented the gifts to each child.

Business in Society is taught by the College's expert in service learning, Robert Hogner ("Dr. Bob"), associate professor of management and international business and coordinator of the College's Civic Engagement Initiative. The course requires 25 hours of community service.