Local high schools in Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Salem are ready to go head-to-head for the second year in a row to collect the most winter coats for the Rescue Mission’s Happy Coats-giving drive. The stakes are high, as the winning school gets a free pizza party courtesy of Frank’s Pizza in Salem.
The Rescue Mission began Happy Coats-giving five years ago to provide coats to people in need. Last year was the first year it included a school competition. Hidden Valley’s DECA Club collected 219 for the win and Cave Spring’s Key Club was a close second with 202.
Through Happy Coatsgiving, the Rescue Mission gave more than 1,500 coats to men, women, and children in need last winter. On October 3, Patrick Henry, William Fleming, Cave Spring, Northside, Glenvar, Roanoke Catholic, Salem, and Hidden Valley High Schools launched their collections. The Rescue Mission will also accept coat donations at its Donation Center at 421 4th Street, SE.
