Many children in the Greater Hazleton Area are set to experience enhanced warmth during the forthcoming winter season, all thanks to the remarkable Hazleton Rotary Kids Coatz initiative. Since its inception in 2007, the Kids Coatz project has been a continuous labor of love, with Hazleton Rotary dedicated to the tasks of purchasing, sorting, and delivering winter coats to the local children. This year, the MMI Prep students have emerged as a significant source of support for the project.

Project Highlights and Impact

Working in close collaboration with local retailers, particularly Boscov’s, brand new coats have been procured for those children in need. These children attend all the elementary and middle schools within the Hazleton Area School District. The teachers have discreetly identified the children who will receive the coats, and the distribution will take place directly at the schools.Rotarians Rossanna Gabriel and Katherine Silfa serve as the project chairs, while Lani Drobnock acts as the advisor for the MMI Interact Club. This collaborative effort has not only brought warmth to the children’s lives but has also created a sense of community and unity.

Rotary's Observations and Feelings

Rotary officials have expressed their deep appreciation for the project over the years. They have noticed that there were children going to school who were ill-prepared for the cold winter days. Being able to provide them with warm coats has given Rotarians a great sense of fulfillment. This year, the addition of the MMI Interact Club's help has been an extra bonus. It is hoped that this partnership will inspire these students to become future Hazleton Rotarians, continuing the good work.

Benefits Beyond the Coats

The Hazleton Rotary Kids Coatz project goes beyond just providing physical warmth. It instills a sense of care and community among the children. It shows them that there are people who care about their well-being and are willing to take action to make a difference. These children will carry this experience with them throughout their lives, likely inspiring them to be kind and helpful to others in the future.The project also serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and collaboration. By working together, local organizations and individuals can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. It is a shining example of how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.