Zion Lutheran student council offers warmth to those in need

[December 14, 2012]  For the sixth year, the student council of Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln will give out winter coats, sweaters and much more to those in need. This year's event will be on Monday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the LifePointe Church, just off the square in downtown Lincoln.

Anna Sielaff is the president of the student council this year, and the vice-president is Zac Prather. The council consists of 11 students from the school. According to Jennifer Prather, Zac's mom, this year the drive has brought in more than 500 items, including coats, sweatshirts, sweaters, gloves, hats and scarves.

Items are available in a wide variety of sizes from toddler to XXXL adult clothing.

Prather said the council has worked hard on the project this year, and it really took off, with a lot of people pitching in and making donations of gently used items.

All of the items to be given away are in gently used condition. They have been examined, minor repairs done when needed, and they have all been laundered courtesy of McEntire's Appliance in Lincoln.

Prather said the coat drive project began when Lexie Groves was the president of the council. She, her mother Terry, other student council members and their parents put together a drive and gave the coats away at the Logan County Food Pantry.

Even though Lexie is now a freshman in high school, Prather said Lexie's mom has been very much involved this year, helping the council to keep the project going into this year and the future.

Anyone who is need of a good coat, sweater or sweatshirt is invited to come to LifePointe Monday evening. The giveaway is a "no questions" program with no qualifying factors or need to show proof of your need. Simply come and get what you or your family need.

In addition, donations are still being accepted at McEntire's Appliance store through Monday. Anyone who has something in good, gently used condition that they no longer need is encouraged to donate to the drive and help someone in our community who might not otherwise be able to have warm clothing this winter.