SNA Collects Coats for Community Kids in Need

Managing Editor

   The University of Arkansas-Monticello Student Nurses’ Association kicked off a local charity drive similar to that of the national organization, Coats for Kids, Inc.

   SNA will be collecting new or used coats for boys and girls in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.

   Kelli Johnson, SNA historian-elect and chair of the Coats for Kids committee, said they realized kids in the community attended school wearing attire not suitable for this time of year.

   “We thought this was a simple way to bring recognition to the community of this dilemma,” Johnson said.

   Johnson also said SNA member Ashley Reese described the project as the easiest way to get the community involved in helping underprivileged children.

   Ryburn Automotive in Monticello allowed SNA to use its business as a drop-off location for coats, “which has been a tremendous help,” Johnson said.

   She said she contacted Wal-Mart, Cato and It’s Fashion about donating coats to the drive and plans to place fliers around town and around campus.

   Coats may be dropped off at the School of Nursing on UAM’s campus or at Ryburn Automotive through Feb. 5. The coats will be distributed after being collected from both locations.

   According to the Coats for Kids Foundation Web site, “Our delivery of coats is done through schools, county or local social service agencies, churches and through other non-profit organizations that work with at-risk and disadvantaged children.”

   For more information about the SNA drive, call (870) 224-6307 or (870) 460-1069. For information about the national organization, visit www.coats-for-kids.org.

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