Lakewood High School’s Student Council wrapped up its first annual coat drive to provide warmth and comfort to those in need facing harsh weather conditions. The initiative was launched during two basketball games in January, surpassing initial expectations and showcased a student-led commitment to service.

​Student Council members coordinated the effort, encouraging students, staff, and community members to donate gently used or new coats. Lakewood Athletic Director Rob Slone said, “Mia Dugan came to me in October with the idea and wanted to know what we could do. All I really did was reach out to the Athletic Boosters to see if they would let us do a free food voucher.”

The drive coincided with two of the school’s most popular sporting events, leveraging the school’s athletic spirit to promote philanthropy. Sophomore Mia Dugan, who had the idea and ran the coat drive, said, “When you bring a coat to the game, we put it in your box, and we give you a slip that is a voucher for a free hot dog and free chips, and then you also get in the game for free.”

The drive kicked off January 21st during a girls’ basketball game. Volunteers set up a donation station in the gymnasium to encourage spectators and players to contribute. The event drew a large crowd, with many community members supporting the cause by donating coats. The school also promoted the initiative through social media and announcements, ensuring widespread awareness.

​“My mom is a teacher, she works in Wickliffe, and a couple of years ago, there was this girl who didn’t have a coat. She would wear her dad’s clothes to school every day; her shirt looked like a dress on her. It was really sad to see. I visited her classroom a couple of times, and every time she was wearing the same thing. So, we went to Walmart and piled things into our cart, like a winter coat, shoes, and pajamas. I remember when we gave it to her, there was nothing more special than seeing someone get something they absolutely need,” Dugan said.

​Following the success of the initial event, the drive continued during the boys’ basketball game on January 27th. This second event saw an even larger turnout, with students and families filling a donation bin with coats of all sizes and styles. The school’s staff is also to contribute by setting up a collection point in the lunchroom.

​By the end of the week-long campaign, Lakewood High School had collected just about 60 coats, surpassing initial expectations. The coats are now being sorted and will be delivered in the coming weeks to various local shelters and organizations dedicated to supporting homeless and low-income families in this brutal Ohio winter.

​School officials and community members expressed pride in the students’ efforts and the community’s support. Slone said, “Most of the coaches were way on board. I know the girls’ basketball coach was putting out graphics and promoting it. Our coaches and administrators want to get as many students [at games] as possible, and community members, but it’s really about the students.”

The donations were received by local organizations, such as the Lakewood Community Services Center and the Salvation Army, which gratefully accepted them. The coats are expected to make a meaningful difference for families struggling to stay warm during the winter months.

​Students played a vital role in organizing and executing the coat drive. They coordinated logistics, created promotional materials, and encouraged participation through class announcements and social media campaigns. The initiative demonstrated how collective effort and compassion can lead to tangible community benefits.

Student Body President Paisley Norris said, “I think that as student council, a lot of times people think that we just do spirit weeks or pep rallies, but we actually do a lot behind the scenes for helping the school connect with the community and work with administration.

​The success of the coat drive has sparked interest in making it an annual tradition. The school plans to expand its community outreach efforts in the future, potentially incorporating additional drives focused on food, school supplies, and holiday gifts.This initiative reflects Lakewood High School’s core values of compassion, service, and community engagement.

​As winter continues, LHS hopes to inspire ongoing generosity and awareness of local issues. The coat drive serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back and supporting the community through collective action.