Homeless Helpers Hosts Coat Drive for Those in Need

             Parkway North’s Homeless Helpers Club is hosting its first coat drive until March 20 for the St. Patrick’s Center for the Homeless in downtown St. Louis.
             The St. Patrick’s Center is one of the largest charities in the St. Louis area. The center was created in 1983. It has 28 housing, employment and mental health programs that help more than 9,000 people annually who are either sick, homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless. Their goal is to help people in need become self sufficient.
             “I think it can be very empowering for students to realize that they’ve got something tucked away and forgotten somewhere in storage that can mean very much to someone who is trying to survive without.  It opens students’ minds to the plight of others,” said advisor Scott Moeller, history teacher.
            Homelessness is very prominent in the St. Louis area so the work that this coat drive is doing will benefit many different people. According to the US Census Bureau 2005-2007 American Community Survey, 8.9% of people in the St. Louis County live below the poverty level. According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2006-2008 Homeless Census Results, there are 3,742 homeless children enrolled in St. Louis schools.
             “We often take things for granted and we forget that other people aren’t as fortunate as us, so it’s important for students to give back,” said junior Sharon Han.
             By getting into the habit of giving back at a young age, people will develop a habit in the long run. Donating coats to the coat drive will not only help those at the St. Patrick’s Center but can help students de-clutter their closets, as well as help them develop a giving attitude.
             “We have collected a couple dozen [coats] so far, but we hope to collect a couple dozen more,” said Moeller.
             Students wishing to donate coats can bring them to Moeller’s room, 2121.

By Lauren Hasse