Bay College and Lake Superior State University Regional Chapter of Business Professionals of America students work to sort out all 207 donations received during their annual “Warm Coats for Warm Hearts” campaign in October. (Submitted photo)

ESCANABA – The Bay College and Lake Superior State University Regional Chapter of Business Professionals of America recently had its annual “Warm Coats for Warm Hearts” campaign to collect coats for those in need in Delta County.

This student-driven campaign ran from Oct. 6 to Oct. 20. With the community’s outpouring of support, a total of 207 items were collected during the campaign. Collection boxes were placed at Elmer’s, Pat’s Foods IGA in Gladstone, Integra First Federal Credit Union in Powers, YMCA Aquatics & Athletics buildings, Massie’s County Market in Bark River, Delta Church, and in the HUB on the Bay College Escanaba Campus.

“Every year, the community comes together to give back; it warms my own heart to see. We want to thank every business and location that housed our boxes, and the community who generously donated over 200 items to those in need,” said Marcy Dugree, a Bay College student pursuing a bachelor degree in business administration and BPA member. “In BPA, we learn to give of our time, talents, and treasures for our community, and it’s so amazing to see them doing the same.”

On Oct. 21, BPA students came together to sort every donation. Then, on Oct. 22, coats and other winter gear were distributed to the Salvation Army and Tri-County Safe Harbor.

“BPA teaches us about self-improvement, and this event has a lot to show us,” Dugree said. “This event taught us the core of two of the pillars of BPA: leadership and community service. We grew up from this event, but it was because of the community that we could receive so many donations and help keep people warm.”

Because the campaign is taking place a month earlier than in previous years, donations are still being accepted. Items can be dropped off at the donation box outside Bay College’s Business Faculty offices in the JHUC building until Dec. 1.

For more information, contact Marcy Dugree at 906-235-6979, or email Marcy.Dugree@baycollege.edu. To learn more about Business Professionals of America, go to www.bpa.org. To learn how to help sponsor the BPA student club, email bpa@baycollege.edu.