News Release
Feb. 18, 2011
Peer education group promotes body awareness with jeans giveaway
By Nichole Beckman, media relations assistant
MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State University's Peer Education program will promote positive body image during Body Awareness Week, Monday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 25, in conjunction with "The Great Jeans Giveaway."
The campaign focuses on "being comfortable in your genes, not your jeans." Members of Peer Education will place collection boxes in residence halls for students to donate unwanted jeans. All donations will be delivered to the Ministry Center in Maryville to meet its clients' needs.
Helping people gain understanding and comfort in knowing anything can be beautiful, is one reason Jackie Ekle, Peer Education advisor, thinks the campaign is important.
"It's important to change the misconception that people need to strive for perfection and be someone or something different than what they are," Ekle said.
Additional resources about body image are available by contacting the University Wellness Center at www.nwmissouri.edu/wellness, visiting www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or calling its helpline at 800.931.2237.
For more information about Body Awareness Week or "The Great Jean Giveaway," contact Ekle at s277313@nwmissouri.edu.
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For more information, please contact:
Mark Hornickel, Media Relations Specialist
mhorn@nwmissouri.edu | 660.562.1704 | Fax: 660.562.1900
Northwest Missouri State University
215 Administration Building | 800 University Drive | Maryville, MO 64468
