Calling all coats

With winter quickly approaching, the need for warm coats is growing. The Valley Project, a Christian leadership and service club at UVSC, has teamed up with the Volunteer and Service Learning Center for the Winter Warmth Drive. The coat drive will run during the first two weeks in November, starting Nov. 1 and concluding on Nov. 15.

The goal of the warmth drive is to collect coat donations from students on campus. Winter coats that are new or gently used, still in good condition, will gladly be accepted by the coordinators of the project. Although all coat sizes are needed, the greatest need is for children’s coats.

Club president of the Valley Project, Ashley Forsythe said, "Donations will be given to local families and people in need living in Utah Valley." In cohorts with the United Way, the project has been designed to serve the local community.

Not only are individual donations needed, but the project is also looking for students to go into the community and ask for donations. "Unfortunately we are in greatest need of children’s coat donations. That is why we are asking for your help," said Forsythe, "Even if you don’t have any coats to donate yourself, but you are willing to donate your time and effort, you can sign up a team in the service and learning office."

Forsythe hopes that teams will be able to procure donations from church groups, neighborhoods, families and workplaces. The team that collects the most donations will be rewarded with a pizza party, not to mention the good feeling of knowing they helped serve the community.

A drop-off box for donations is located outside the Volunteer and Service Learning Center office in SC 101, next to the copy center and bookstore in the Student Center. The box is large enough that students will not be able to miss it while walking the halls, serving as a reminder that donations are needed and greatly welcomed.