Special to Iredell Free News

Employees of the Manheim facility in Statesville recently sponsored a winter coat drive to benefit the children of the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont.

Manheim staff members collected 238 winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves for club members. Jennifer Meadows, Dee Paiva and Amanda Miller delivered the items on January 17.

“What a kind and thoughtful act of generosity from the staff at Manheim,” said Clarissa Young, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. “Many of our families struggle with making sure their children are adequately prepared for the harsh winter weather. Coincidentally, the items arrived here at the Club during the very time that local temperatures had dropped to the low teens, so the timing of this gift was just perfect.”

Manheim staff became involved with the nonprofit when they were invited to attend the Celebrate-Our-Kids Luncheon in October.

“Supporting their mission aligns with our core values,” explained Tiffany Read, senior marketing manager at Manheim. “The children delighted our staff when they sang songs at this year’s staff Christmas party. Collecting coats and other winter gear was a project identified and led by our staff members. They are also planning a silent auction of Valentine Day baskets with all proceeds going to the Club.

“We just love these kids and want to help them,” she added.

The winter gear was distributed to students and parents over a two-day period from the Club’s main campus on Cochran Street.

“This was a real blessing to my children; I am so thankful for the support from Manheim,” a parent shared while picking up coats and gloves for her children.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont serves 476 members from its Cochran Street campus and 51 members at its satellite club at Shepherd Elementary School in Mooresville.