The adult English as a Second Language (ESL) class taught by Jeri Gorden is collecting clothing and bottled water for distribution to local shelters in a project called “Summer Smiles.”

The donation box is located on the first floor of the Millennium Center and is available through May 5. The class will deliver all items to local shelters in Springfield.

While the students are learning English, they are also learning about the diverse American culture. As part of their class, they studied homelessness and decided to start this project to help people in need. By doing a clothes drive, they are gaining a better understanding of community needs.