Many Beaver Area clubs and groups raise funds for their own needs, but some organizations take it the extra mile and work for a nobler cause outside of themselves.

This year, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) decided to collect winter coat donations for the national organization One Warm Coat, who takes donated coats and distributes them to needy families.

“With TLC doing the present drive, and NHS doing the backpacks for underprivileged students, FBLA wanted a fundraiser that had our trademark: the coat drive. We especially chose it because although One Warm Coat is national, the coats are donated locally . . . which carries more importance because it feels we can really give back to our community,” said junior Chloe Sandoe who took the lead in organizing this drive.

Early on, the drive collected well past their goal of 100 coats, collected from College Square, Dutch Ridge, and the middle and high school. Starting February 3, in addition to accepting donations of old coats “collecting dust in the closet,” they also accepted monetary donations to support the cause.

“With this being the first year of the coat drive, it definitely took a lot of planning and patience. With that being said, it paid off and I’m so glad people are taking the time to bring in a coat!” said Sandoe whose hard work and effort paid off.

By February 14, when the drive ended, 174 winter coats were collected and able to be donated to the Franklin Center of Beaver County, where they will be further distributed to those who need them throughout Beaver County.

Ultimately, the hard work of Sandoe and the FBLA came to a positive conclusion, and will surely make a return next winter. This drive and the many other service efforts throughout Beaver Area continually do great work, bringing hope and kindness to a community that needs it.