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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Archbishop Stepinac students helped load 50 garbage bags stuffed with winter jackets, hats, gloves, and scarfs into the White Plains Salvation Army Corps' van Tuesday.
Devin Thomas, a senior from Yonkers, and Daniel Hoffer, a junior from Yonkers, who co-chaired the White Plains school's fourth annual coat drive, said they started organizing the event after Thanksgiving break.
"We've developed a good relationship with the Salvation Army. It's a great organization and they've come to rely on us," said Thomas, the senior class president.
The co-chairs said they had no problem pitching the coat drive to fellow students, staff, neighbors, and friends.
"We told them, 'Come support the coat drive. It's for a good cause. The Salvation Army could use it.' It's the giving season and it warms your heart," Thomas said.
Hoffer, the starting quarterback for Stepinac's varsity football team, said the school also held a canned goods drive for clients of the local Salvation Army.
"We were done right before Thanksgiving break and we gave it to them that morning," said Hoffer. "It got distributed to where it was needed."
White Plains Salvation Army Captain Antonio Rosamilia said the coats would be needed as the non-profit sees its usual winter surge.
"Generally, when it gets really cold, that's when people come in," said Rosamilia. "We have coats and a great mix of things. We're grateful for all the people who donated."
It's been a tough holiday season for the Salvation Army, according to Rosamilia, who said the White Plains Corps usually gives each child two toys, but only had enough to give kids one toy apiece despite collecting 1,000 gifts this year.
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