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In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, the Morgan Academy Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) orchestrated a successful coat drive on Wednesday, Dec. 6, delivering much needed warmth to those served by the Edmundite Missions.

Grant Arrington and Hope Holladay, both Morgan Academy students and founders of the school’s FCA chapter, spearheaded the initiative. When asked about the motivation behind the coat drive, Arrington shared a poignant moment of realization.

“I walked outside one morning and didn’t have a jacket on,” Arrington said. “I realized at that moment that we are fortunate that we have jackets, we can go inside and pick out which jacket we want. There are some people that just have to hunker down. This is just one way to help people.”

Hope Holladay shared her desire to make a difference in her community and emphasized the importance of instilling a giving spirit from a young age.

“We are at a point in our lives where we can make an impression on somebody,” Holladay said. “You’re going to take a lot of what you do now away as you grow up. If you get used to giving back to your community now, it’ll be second nature to you when you’re older and you can make a bigger difference.”

The Edmundite Missions, a charitable organization fighting poverty in the deep south and led by President and CEO Chad McEachern, welcomed the donation with enthusiasm.

“It is always exciting when folks here in Selma want to get involved with helping the missions and even more so when it is young people involved,” McEachern said “The FCA aims to be the hands and feet of Christ and they have certainly done that today. These coats will get to people who need them very quickly as the weather continues to get colder.”

The impact of this charitable act extends beyond a simple delivery of coats. The donated clothing including items for women, men and children, is available free of charge at the Missions Boutique and More, situated at 1010 Minter Ave. The initiative not only provides warmth but also showcases the power of community, especially when driven by the compassion of young minds, eager to make a difference.