Several businesses and a group of students collect coats for ' Giles Coats for Kids'

Giles Coats for Kids got a boost Monday, from several companies and some energetic middle school students. They've collected hundreds of coats, and thousands have already been handed out by Catholic

Monday, December 13th 2004, 11:58 am

By: News On 6

Giles Coats for Kids got a boost Monday, from several companies and some energetic middle school students. They've collected hundreds of coats, and thousands have already been handed out by Catholic Charities.

News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says to describe the Whitney Middle School Career and Technology Club as only 13 children is to underestimate the power of a few.

When they were done counting what they collected for Giles Coats for Kids, the latest batch came to 55 coats. Ernesto Bello, 8th grader: â€œEach year we do a different program to help someone and this year it was Coats for Kids.â€

It started with a photo contest of charity work. The class decided they could do well, and get some good pictures at the same time. Jessica Bernardo, 8th grader: "Actually we just announced it and people brought stuff in, it was pretty easy."

Yale Cleaners will clean and repair all these coats and get them to Catholic Charities. Jo Pemberton with Whitney Middle School: â€œI asked for 100% and they gave me 110%.â€

The folks at Academy Sports and Outdoors pitched in to help with 45 new coats. Academy picks a new charity to help each month and for December, it's Giles Coats for Kids. Renee Schwider with Academy Sports & Outdoors: â€œThese have fleece lining in them, these are leather, these are thick and warm and brand new, right off the shelf.â€

And Delphi Catalyst in Catoosa donated some coats. Delphi got their hands on 104 coats and knew just where they could be put to use.

Eventually, all these coats will make it to Catholic Charities where they will go to people who need them.

Catholic Charities gave out 2,000 coats in the first 8 days. They believe this year; they might need 10,000 to meet demand.