TFIM Coat Drive
TFIM Coat Drive
by Amelia Hogue, senior Cosmetology student
The holidays bring so much joy, but it can also deliver struggle. The cold weather is upon us, and this can mean worrisome times for those who can not provide for themselves as the season grows cold.
It is a common occurrence for many of our students to want to lend a helping hand in as many ways as possible, so in the TFIM meeting in early November, the question was asked, “How can TFIM to help out the community?”
When hearing that, the immediate light bulb suggestion lit up: “Let’s do a clothing/coat drive.” The group decided that it was perfect idea for this season.
That entire week, members called shelters who served those in need and mapped out plans for what to collect and how we could promote it. Talking to the shelter administrators opened eyes to the need in our community.. That pushed the members of TFIM to spread the word and give some cheer to people in need this season.
For two weeks TFIM placed a box in the main lobby, decorated for winter, which made it more appealing to the students. Mrs.Cepro thought that a big flashy box would encourage kids to read what was inside the box, decorated to entice people to consider taking a moment to see what it was all about. With the help of Tyler Duncan and Richie Spencer, we had our big flashy box. Throughout those two weeks, that box caught the eyes of the students and staff. Before we knew, the TFIM coat box was getting somewhere with our idea. Although before starting this project we knew that the clothing drive could be a hit or miss project. As coats, hats, gloves, and scarves started to pile in, Cosmetology helped sort and launder the items to ready them for delivery.
The day before the delivery, the cosmetology class took inventory of donations and was pleased with the results. Within a mere two weeks of having the box, about 30 coats and approximately a dozen other cold-weather items mixed in were collected. It was a great start to this project.
On December 20th, Mrs.Cepro, Mrs.Heasley and LCCTC Computer and Office sophomore Joey Leonard delivered the clothing to the New Castle City Rescue Mission.
When reflecting on the drive, Mrs. Heasley states that "TFIM students are always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need in our community. Every year the students suggest several great charities and causes, and the toughest part is agreeing on which to tackle." It is clear that this was a wonderful campaign to take on.
At the end of the day TFIM helped in a truly touching way. The idea that TFIM could help in such a magnanimous manner warmed their hearts and helped others, in return.
“Helping one another is important to the Future is Mine club,” states Mrs. Cepro. “It is no surprise to me that students and staff rallied behind this year's coat drive for the City Rescue Mission. I am always proud of the effort and dedication of our students to help out members of their community.”
TFIM would like to thank everyone who donated. Next year, they plan to set the bar even higher to bring a sense of warmth, comfort, and cheer to even more!
