November 2020 – Despite a pandemic and unconventional school year, the Collinsville High School Co-op Class of 2021 successfully completed their annual Coat Drive to provide warmth to community members in need.
The students are members of the CHS chapter of DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America), a career and technical student organization. They raise money, provide community service, participate in school activities and host a banquet at the end of the school year for their participating employers.
“The boys’ and girls’ items were taken to Kreitner Elementary. The remainder was taken to the Fairmont City Library who will distribute them in the community and donate the rest.” said Co-op/DECA sponsor CHS teacher Kelli Ponce.
“Thank you to Caseyville, Renfro, Jefferson, Webster and Maryville Elementary Schools; Collinsville Middle School, Dorris Intermediate School, and of course CHS, the Kahok Closet, Multicultural Club, as well as the Caseyville Library – who all contributed to our effort,” added Ponce.
In addition to the items collected, the group will donate $250 to www.onewarmcoat.org to purchase coats for the homeless.