By: Kylie Radford

This season, UNICEF is partnering with “One Warm Coat” to host a Coat Drive, to collect and donate coats to the local community. One Warm Coat is a US based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmentally sustainability. I spoke to Sophie Hayer, Co-President of UNICEF and coordinator of the drive, and she stated that the primary goal of the coat drive is to give back. Hayer explained that in times of COVID, everyone has been hit hard, and many people have been negatively impacted. With this winter season comes extremely cold, low temperatures; when people do not have a coat to stay warm it can really impact their health. “I know I’m cold just coming into school in the morning, so I can’t imagine having to face that.” The UNICEF organization focuses a lot on homelessness in many parts of the world, but Hayer encourages us to do what we can here in our local community. The UNICEF board also made sweet, kind notes that will be placed in the pockets of the donated coats. For those interested in helping out, any clothing that provides relief from the winter weather is acceptable to donate. All sizes are welcomed and encouraged, although Hayer noted that children’s sizes would be especially great to donate. Donations should be taken to room 4408, Ms. Luch’s room. 

For more information, check out the Apex UNICEF website or OneWarmCoat.org