SWAT’s Dignity Drive Collects Personal Hygiene Products for Woodward Center

February 28, 2025

The most recent “Compassion in Action” Dignity Drive sponsored by the students in the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) chapter at Northwestern Oklahoma State University successfully gathered several personal hygiene products for the Northwest Center for Behavioral Health in Woodward.

Northwestern Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) members deliver personal hygiene items to the Northwest Center for Behavioral Health in Woodward, which were recently collected during the “Compassion in Action” Dignity Drive at all three campuses. Pictured are (left to right) students Krystan Pierce, Nicole Posada, Alyssa Ball, executive director of Northwest Center for Behavioral Health (NCBH) Autumn Nickelson and Morgan Sanders.

SWAT, a student-run organization led by director of social work field education and assistant professor of social work Codi Harding, seeks to enhance the social work learning experience. One of SWAT’s purposes is to employ community service projects while supporting community partners and their consumers. The dignity drive is one of the community service projects SWAT students host to give back to the community.

“Each year, this event gives SWAT members the opportunity to help meet the basic needs of individuals in their local and surrounding communities,” Harding said.

Donations to the center included toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, detergent, feminine hygiene products and more.

 “Being a part of the dignity drive is about more than just providing basic necessities—it's about restoring a sense of self-worth and dignity to individuals who may be struggling,” said SWAT vice president Isabella Burden, a Medicine Lodge, Kansas, sophomore majoring in social work. “The drive would not have been possible without the generosity of those who selflessly gave to help the community. This small, simple gesture is a powerful reminder of how small actions can make the biggest difference.”

Northwestern’s SWAT members and social work majors, with their hometowns, classification and SWAT involvement include:

Officers: Krystan Pierce, Fargo senior, president; and Burden.

Members: Harlie Altland, Vici senior; Holly Andres, Anthony, Kansas, junior; Alyssa Arambula, Enid senior; Alyssa Ball, Woodward senior; Itzel Castillo, Laverne junior; McKenzie Cramer, Ashland, Kansas, senior; Chandler Crissup, Mooreland sophomore; Kaydence Decker, Blair junior; Samuel Felton, Alva senior; Mikaela Gonser, Woodward senior; Baeleigh Henshall, Enid senior; Makenzie Hoskins, Arnett senior; Kyra Hussey, Mountain Park senior; Shelby Kinnard, Woodward sophomore; Jenna Maier, Alva junior; Hunter McMillin, Sylvia, Kansas, senior; Nicole Posada, Woodard junior; Cammi Rogge, Alva senior; Morgan Sanders, Woodward freshman; Malori Shire, Enid senior; Mahawa Tyler, Alva senior; Yasmin Vargas, Enid senior; and Summer Verrill, Alva senior.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve in the dignity drive,” Burden said. “Our small acts of kindness can truly make a difference in the lives of others.”

SWAT members thank everyone who assisted with putting this event together and were able to donate from all three Northwestern locations.

For more information about Northwestern’s social work program visit www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work or contact Dr. Kylene Rehder, Northwestern Department of Social Work chair and professor of social work, at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8135.

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