Bakersfield College’s student organization, Free On The Outside (FOTO) hosted a hygiene drive dedicated to helping those less fortunate in the community. The event took place at the roundabout by the Performing Arts Center from March 11th-14th.
The FOTO Club is dedicated to supporting previously incarcerated individuals and their allies. They also aide students and their peers in succeeding academically and developing tools to be a productive citizen in the community and in college.
While the club provides resources to help peers succeed in all areas, the drive was intended to further their presence and help in the community, not just intended for students.
FOTO’s hygiene drive was accepting items such as new toothbrushes, deodorant, body wash and other hygiene and body care products.
FOTO will then package and distribute the donated items to the less fortunate in the community. FOTO volunteer and BC student, Alejandro Rocha stated, “We will package every item and put positive affirmations in the bags and let them know everything will be okay.”
Although not many items were donated, it is encouraged to donate any items no matter how big or small next time FOTO has another hygiene drive.
“It wasn’t the best turnout, but it wasn’t super bad either,” added Rocha.
Fellow BC student Anissa Martinez stated, “I donated what I could, but they definitely could have more donations as it wraps up the last day of the drive.” “I hope they receive more items because they are a really positive club here at BC,” added Martinez.
FOTO continues to provide support and tools to its members with their drives, class sessions and planned future events.
With the final day of the drive and acceptance of donated items, keep an eye out for The FOTO Club and their next representation of BC in serving the community.
If interested in visiting or helping The FOTO Club, be sure to watch for future events and drives. You can also attend their meetings in the SE Building every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m..