BRTC’s Career Pathways staff held a coat drive to collect donations for the Salvation Army. Some 90 coats, infant through adult sizes, were donated for the cause and delivered to the Salvation Army to be given away for free to those in need.
Beginning a few years ago, the Pathways staff decided to take on a community service project instead of buying and exchanging gifts with each other at Christmastime. This year, the need they identified was outfitting others with coats. They realized there was a need for warm coats and jackets in the area, so they began a coat drive to fill that need. “Discussions began in the office, and we all mutually agreed that a coat drive would be a very worthy community service project,” explains Tom Baker, Director of Career Pathways at BRTC.
“We thought a coat drive would make an impact community-wide,” added Helen Shipley, Administrative Assistant. “We knew this was something that all of the student groups could get involved with, in addition to faculty and staff, without anyone having to go out and buy anything.
The response was overwhelming. Students, staff and faculty were generous with their donations. “One student brought in a whole bag of coats,” said Baker. “She certainly got in the spirit of things. So, she donated all of the coats that her kids have outgrown.”
“It’s wonderful to see the spirit of giving in situations such as this,” Baker continued. “We all want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. At Christmas, the time of giving, it seems that we are motivated to do the right thing. In winter, it is keeping our friends and neighbors warm.”
The Career Pathways department wishes to thank everyone who helped make this project a huge success with donations. Donations will still be accepted through December 14 and may be dropped off in the Career Pathways office in the administration building on the BRTC Pocahontas campus.