SYP gives back with 1st communitywide coat drive

November 17, 2012

By MATT CRANE
life@starkvilledailynews.com

In the holiday spirit of giving back, Starkville Young Professionals is sponsoring its first communitywide coat drive at several locations around Starkville.

SYP member Maggie Christopher said the organization was looking for a way to give back to Starkville during the holiday season and, upon the suggestion of Stephanie Shackelford, the coat drive came to fruition.
“We loved the idea,” she said. “Hopefully it will be something that SYP continues for many years.”

Christopher said the organization is designed to help young professional build their professional network.

“We assist with the transition from college to career by providing social arenas to meet other at similar stations in life,” she said. “SYP also seeks to give back to our community and promote the great town in which we live.”

Christopher said coats for both adults and children in relatively new or slightly used condition will be accepted at the M&F Bank on Miss. Highway 12, Metrocast, OSERVS office, Starkville High School, Starkville City Hall and every elementary school in the area.

Because of the opportunities Starkville has provided members of SYP, Christopher said the decision to sponsor a charity project was an easy decision.

“Sometimes we forget at Christmas-time that everyone isn’t snuggled in their homes, and a coat and warmth would be the best gift possible,” she said. “It’s truly a wonderful feeling.”

Christopher said she and the organization are putting forth all their efforts to ensure Starkville children are kept warm this holiday season.
“Warmth is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” she said. “The community of Starkville is always willing to help their neighbors, and I’m sure the Coats for Kids campaign will be just another shining example of that.”