A large box in the lobby of Forest Lake Elementary School was filled to the top with jackets and other items, the outcome of a successful two-week coat drive that wrapped up on Dec. 9.

Forest Lake’s student council partnered with New York State Assemblyman Dave McDonough for a Coats for Kids drive. Donations of new and gently used coats for both children and adults were accepted, along with winter accessories like earmuffs, gloves, hats and scarves. 

The donations will be delivered to Assemblyman McDonough’s office and then distributed to local organizations that assist families in need. Forest Lake students donated more than 100 items. The student council helped promote the drive by hanging signs around the school.

“It’s important because there are people who are freezing,” fifth grade student council member Grace Griesbach said, “and we have extra coats so we can donate a few.”