2nd annual Winter Coat Drive keeps students warm
Community members donated new winter items for school aged and younger children
Tulpehocken School District hosted its 2nd annual Winter Coat Drive, encouraging community members to donate new winter items for school aged and younger children.
“Over the last several years we have met so many needs for our community,” said Tulpehocken Superintendent Andrew Netznik. “The school district has been partnering with county agencies and local churches to provide for the needs of our families on so many levels. To me that is so exciting. I love the fact that we can rally as a community to meet needs within our community.”
Coats, gloves, mittens, scarves and hats were among the winter items provided to help keep Tulpehocken’s children warm this winter.
In December, two “Shopping Days” were hosted at Bethel and Penn-Bernville elementary schools, during which families were encouraged to stop by and for their children to pick out a new coat, hat, gloves and a scarf.
“I strongly believe we are all called upon to care for one another and when we see needs, we should be ready to meet those needs,” said Netznik. “We have a lot of children that come to school needing coats, hats, and gloves. If we know the need is there, I think we should see how we can help.”
New coats, hats, gloves and scarves — all bought and donated by the community — were lined up on the cafeteria tables in the Bethel and Penn-Bernville elementary cafeterias.
“This is our second year doing the coat drive and I can’t thank the community enough for the response we have had with the coats, hats, and gloves,” said Netznik. “Funding for those coats and jackets came from everyone.”
The District put the call out for donations and the community has responded in a big way, said Netznik.
“Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, community members, churches, and staff members have all responded to the call. It is so exciting,” he said.
As the students arrived to choose their own outfit with input from family members, school staff greeted everyone and helped with friendly advice if needed.
“I love the fact that we can rally as a community to meet needs within our community.” — Tulpehocken Superintendent Andrew Netznik
Although some students took advantage of the new winter apparel, there were a considerable number of leftover coats and gloves, said Netznik.
“Those leftovers will continue to be distributed,” he added. “We have a list of families that have indicated they still needed coats. Since we had a number of
leftover coats, we will try to reach beyond just kids and will provide other family members who need coats.”