Cleveland State University student group New Era Scholars partnered with community organization New Era Cleveland last week to provide food, clothing and hygiene items to hundreds of people during a neighborhood event called "Operation Love."

The initiative, led by New Era Scholars as part of its We the Culture Day, was held Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Women’s Center on Payne Avenue – just off campus. Volunteers handed out hot meals, coats, blankets and hygiene kits to students and residents facing economic challenges.

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Organizers explained that the project was designed to raise awareness and encourage responsibility among students and the surrounding community.

“Our people are not charity — our people are community,” the group said in a statement after the event. “With unity, compassion and consistency, we can turn love into action and create safer, stronger communities.”
 

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Donations were collected in advance at Cleveland State University’s Student Center, where students, staff and supporters dropped off coats, blankets and other resources.

The event drew support from local partners including New Era Cleveland and The Love Project Movement. Organizers said they hope the effort will grow into a recurring program, building momentum for continued collaboration between CSU students and the wider Cleveland community.