Gardendale - By mid-morning, the coats were piling up across Jefferson County.  On Wednesday, all 53 schools in the Jefco system served as collection sites for ABC 33/40's Warm Coats from Warm Hearts campaign.  Students and faculty were encouraged to bring in new or gently-used coats to help those in need this winter.  And boy, did they ever!

At Snow Rogers Elementary in Gardendale, Megan Newton said, "we're just trying to reach out to others that don't have coats and are really cold, and when we're in warm buildings and they're not, we just want to try to help them."  The Snow Rogers effort was organized by the school's Fellowship of Christian Students.  Teacher Angie Quick said, "we think it's great for our kids to be involved and see they can make a difference in their community, even as young as they are."

They hope the children's work will encourage others to participate.  The Warm Coats from Warm Hearts drive continues through November 8th.  While the schools only served as collection sites for one day, donations may be dropped off through Sunday at Belk at Riverchase Galleria, Watkins Cleaners on Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills, More Than Conquerors Faith Church in Birmingham and the Birmingham Barons at Regions Park.

All the coats will be cleaned.  Then, later this month, they'll be handed out to needy seniors, school-age children and those with medical conditions that are aggravated by the cold.  Applications may be downloaded from this site or picked up at More Than Conquerors Faith Church Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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