University students gather coats to shield Pike County residents from the cold this winter

Pike County is not immune to economic hardship.

Even though the area has faired well compared to others during the financial downturn of the last few years, the reality is that there are many families in the county who need a little help. And with winter knocking on fall’s door, the Circle K organization on Troy University’s campus is working toward making sure that everyone in need of a coat this winter won’t be without.

Brady Bouldin, 15 and the youngest member of the of the Troy University Circle K, came up with the idea of holding a coat drive to provide new and gently-used coverings to Pike County kids.
“I saw a need in the community,” Bouldin said. “It is amazing how many kids walk to school with short sleeves and no coats in the winter.”

Bouldin said he took part in many coat drives when he was in school in Pickens County. Now, as a dually-enrolled student at Blaze Academy and Troy University, he is able to introduce the effort in Pike County.

“We try to foster leadership in our club and I was so excited to hear Brady’s idea,” said club President Jessica New, 20. “It’s exciting how many coats we’ve collected this far.”

The group has only been collecting coats about a week and already has several dozen they can share with the community.

“The end result of this will be that children, babies and adults will be warm this winter,” said club Secretary Kayla Frye, 20. “That’s worth the time.”

Circle K is asking people to try and get their churches involved with the effort. Circle K will pick up any coats collected by churches or other groups. And Southside Baptist Church on Brundidge Street in Troy has agreed to be a drop-off point for anyone who wishes to donate.

While the coat drive is a first for the group, the students involved in Circle K are not strangers to volunteering or raising money.

“We focus on a variety of things in the community,” said club Vice President Kaylee Ann Smith, 19. “We try to volunteer our time and effort in any way we see a need.”
And the community isn’t the only one to benefit from Circle K’s efforts.

“You get what you put into the club,” said club Treasurer Valerie Roney, 19. “There are leadership opportunities and we are all great friends. And everyone is welcome. The more people we have, the more we can do.”

To find out more about the Circle K coat drive or to make a donation of new or gently-used coats, email delynnbouldin@gmail.com or call (334) 770-2723.