Local 7th-Grader Enters 4th Year Hosting Coat Drive
The winter season brings joy to many people. We often think of spending time with family, giving gifts, and enjoying the snow as it covers the grass around us. For many, this time of year is something to look forward to. For others, the winter season can bring forth a new set of worries and struggles. One struggle that many of our neighbors experience is being able to afford warm clothing during the cold winter months.
Tucker Charles, a seventh-grade student at St. Dominic School, hopes to make this time of year easier for people in need. At just 12 years old, Tucker is approaching his fourth year of organizing a drive to collect coats at his school and parish. Each year, Tucker collaborates with various clubs at his school to plan, advertise, and execute the coat drive. When asked what inspires him to serve people in need, Tucker states, “When I see a person on the corner asking for help and they are cold, I think they must be hoping that someone in their community would help and care for them. Then I think, ‘Could I be that person?’”
Tucker has certainly been that person to make a difference over the past few years. In total, he has collected more than 500 gently used coats from his peers, educators, and parishioners to be distributed through St. Vincent de Paul’s annual coat distribution days. While Tucker’s efforts have undoubtedly made a difference in dozens of neighbors’ lives, he holds a humble attitude towards it all. “The coat drive is not hard to run,” he says. “It is a simple act of kindness and I hope more people run coat drives. Doing good things for other people brings everyone closer to God.”
Tucker hopes to collect at least 150 coats this year. St. Vincent de Paul would not be able to assist nearly as many adults and children without Tucker’s participation in the coat drive.
St. Vincent de Paul will begin its annual coat drive on October 18th. If you would like to host a coat drive at your school, church, or business, please contact our Events & Partnerships manager, Renee Berlon at rberlon@svdpcincinnati.org.