(Pictured is Site Coordinator Aylin Reyes)

The Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital site coordinator at Cardozo Education Campus,  Aylin Reyes encountered numerous challenges affecting student attendance, including family responsibilities, work schedules, and transportation issues. However, as winter approached and temperatures began to drop, another significant barrier emerged: the lack of appropriate clothing for cold weather. Many students arrived at school without warm clothing, making it difficult for them to attend regularly and concentrate on their studies.

Determined to make a positive impact, Site Coordinator Reyes collaborated with Cardozo’s parent coordinator to initiate a coat drive. Together, they reached out to the community, encouraging them to donate jackets. Franklin Hall Restaurant and Whole Foods on Florida Avenue generously agreed to host donation boxes where local residents could contribute jackets, gloves, scarves, and hats.

The response was overwhelming. They collected 60 new jackets, 25 pairs of gloves, and 10 hats. On November 15th, a distribution event was held after school, allowing students to choose the items they needed to stay warm.

The coat drive was a success! Students who were struggling to keep warm left with smiles, bundled up in their new winter gear. This simple act of kindness not only provided them with the warmth they needed but also helped remove a significant barrier to their education. With the cold weather no longer a concern, these students can now focus on what truly matters: their learning.

To donate to Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital, which surrounds students with a community of support and removes barriers, visit Donate – Communities in Schools – Nation’s Capital

• Special thanks goes to Franklin Hall, Whole Foods and MGM Corporation.