Community

Gaston County students share the warmth

For the 6th year, a group of high school students are helping their local neighbors in need with a "Winter Warmth Drive".

Students at the Highland School of Technology in Gastonia are collecting warm winter clothing and blankets from students at their school to donate to Gaston County shelters and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gastonia.

After some of the school's students visited a homeless shelter in 2011, the student's realized there is a great need in their community for warm clothing and blankets.

"I hope people learn that anytime you can help someone you should," says Highland Tech student Patience Foster.

The drive challenges three different groups at the school to see who can collect the most items, but it is all about giving back to their community. Highland Tech student Sara Jane Heavner says, "It is a really easy way to help people out and connect with the community."

The students hope to inspire others to give. "I feel like it is opening up the idea for people that there are a lot of different and unique ways to help others. Hopefully we will get more people involved in their own projects," says student Leah Sosnik.

The Highland School of Technology Winter Warmth Drive runs from November 14-18.