Dominion Energy and Gates County Community Partnership are collaborating to ensure that every local student from kindergarten through 12th grade has a warm coat.
A Winter Coat Drive, commencing on November 20 and concluding on December 8, seeks donations of new or gently used coats to protect the county’s youth from the winter chill. There are several drop-off locations for easy access and convenience. These locations include all Gates County Schools, the Gates County Schools Central Office, and the Gates County Community Center.
The significance of this initiative lies in the critical necessity for children to stay warm during the winter months. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, among all children under 18 years old in the United States, 38 percent live in low-income families. This statistic reveals the harsh reality that there are children in Gates who lack appropriate winter attire to keep them safe and comfortable.
Katherine Wade, a representative of Dominion Energy, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Gates County Community Partnership, stating, “Dominion Energy is glad to be working with Gates County Community Partnership to collect new coats for Gates County students to keep them warm this winter.”
The need for warm coats transcends the realm of mere protection from the cold – it directly impacts a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Without adequate protection against winter weather, students may fall prey to illnesses or suffer from discomfort, making it challenging to concentrate in class. By providing students with a nice warm coat, the Winter Coat Drive aims to foster an environment where students can focus on their education and enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about their well-being.
Chante Jordan, of Gates County Community Partnership, emphasized the organization’s dedication to this cause, stating, “We are immensely grateful for the collective efforts of Dominion Energy, Gates County Schools, and the entire community. Together, we can make sure every child in Gates County has a nice warm coat this winter. Let’s join hands and ensure no local child faces the winter cold without a warm coat to call their own.”
Parents, community members, and local businesses are encouraged to participate by generously donating new or gently used coats. Together, a lasting impact can be made on the lives of Gates County students.
For more details on the Winter Coat Drive, contact Gates County Community Partnership at [email protected].
