Coat Drive

Beginning in August 2008, I was an advisor for the Community Youth Foundation in Muskingum County. It is a group of local high school students who distribute grants to youth service groups, select local scholarship winners, and work on teambuilding and leadership activities with other members. Members also participate in additional service projects throughout the year, selected by them to improve the quality of life for youth in Muskingum County.

One motivated individual expressed a desire to do a service project related to her interests in Fashion Design. We decided to collect winter coats to benefit local nonprofit organizations, including the Salvation Army and Eastside Community Ministry. That year, more than 180 coats were collected and distributed as group members learned more about those in need in our community.

The project was such a success that the members decided to continue it, even after the student graduated. In the four years of the project, the Youth Foundation has collected more than 800 coats, as well as hats, gloves, and scarves.

                                         Community Youth Foundation members with youth from
                                         Eastside Community Ministry who received new coats
                                         in 2011.