Tragedy inspires students to help homeless

MILWAUKEE -- A group of Alverno College students turned a traumatic discovery into a positive.

"We needed to cause a change or bring awareness to something that maybe a lot of people don't think about on a daily basis," organizer Nicole Ibarra said.

They came one by one. Cars full of bags, bags filled with items to help those struggling to get by.

"We've got extra coats and jackets that we really weren't using and this maybe will help somebody," participant Tom Whittaker said.

A group of students stuffed the bus, inspired by a life-changing event that happened in November.

 "As we were cleaning up garbage at the park, two kids actually found the body of a homeless man who had died while living in the woods," organizer Melissa Thomas said.

It's a discovery they will never forget and vowed to turn around.

"My hope from this is that we're really able to make a difference and help somebody who is in need," Thomas said.

The students stuffed a bus full of items like coats, blankets and food.  They will be delivered to three area homeless shelters.

People can drop off items at Alverno College through Monday.