Family Focus

Charlotte student collecting hundreds of coats for kids in need

Eighth grade student Julien Boyce has some big aspirations, but his ambition isn’t focused on himself. Rather, it’s on how he can help others.

Julien is a special student at Piedmont I.B. Middle School, and he’s collecting coats for children in need here in the Charlotte community.

“When people have to choose between buying food and coats, most people think about food as being more important, so they go ahead and buy that instead of a coat,” said Julien. “If you don’t have a coat, then it’s going to be cold.”

Julien is collecting coats for WSOC-TV’s annual Steve’s Coats for Kids drive, and he’s taking his project seriously and is committed to collecting as many coats as possible.

WSOC-TV’s Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign was introduced in 2005. All coat donations are distributed through the Crisis Assistance Ministry, an independent nonprofit agency focused on preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s working poor.

Julien is creating a plan for his school. He is making flyers that will be sent out to parents and even posted on the school’s social media outlets.

This isn’t the first time that he has tried to help the less fortunate. Julien and his family are active in helping the community through feeding and reading programs.

Piedmont has collected coats for Steve’s Coats for Kids for the past several years. This giving spirit has been part of the culture of the school since 1925 and is ingrained in the staff and students.

Many of the students at Piedmont have developed a love for doing good deeds for others. The culmination of Boyce’s caring spirit has come together for the Steve’s Coats for Kids project.

This young man encourages everyone to help improve the city.

Right now, Julien has collected a couple of hundred coats and is hoping to get as many as possible.

His actions show that he continues to help others, and that, regardless of age, anyone can make a real difference in the community.

Although students are learning remotely, there will be collection bins outside of the school entrance on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Dec. 11.

You can donate new or gently used coats at any area Showmars, Ashley HomeStore, E.R. Plumbing Services and all Charlotte Fire Stations.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL DONATION LOCATIONS

Learn more about how your donation can impact the community at www.StevesCoatsForKids.com.

If you have an inspiring story, please contact Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.