(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

CHARLESTON — In honor of MLK Day of Service, Education Alliance AmeriCorps is coordinating its fifth annual coat drive, called Coats4Kids, ending on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20.

“Every child deserves a warm coat to wear to school,” said Lauren Powers, an AmeriCorps member serving in Wood County. “It helps them focus on their grades and studies without being distracted by discomfort.”

The Coats4Kids drive collects articles of winter clothing to help West Virginia families stay warm. There are drop-off locations around the state where area residents can donate new and gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Donations are provided to schools and nonprofits across the state.

Local drop-off points are at Mineral Wells Elementary and Williamstown High School from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at West Virginia University at Parkersburg from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

“The Education Alliance is and always will be an organization that mobilizes business and communities to support our youth,” said Amelia Courts, president and CEO of the Education Alliance. “The Coats4Kids drive is a perfect example of what can be accomplished in West Virginia when we foster a partnership between business and community.”

The Coats4Kids drive is part of a national effort through One Warm Coat. Last year, more than 500,000 coats were distributed across North America to children and adults in need through the program. Over 50,000 coat drives have been held nationwide, with the Education Alliance’s Coats4Kids drive paving the way for West Virginia.

For more information about the Coats4Kids drive, visit educationalliance.org/coats4kids.