University of Mount Olive Students Share Warmth this Christmas Season

MOUNT OLIVE – As temperatures dropped this past week, a special presentation at Carver Elementary came just in time for some deserving young people.

The University of Mount Olive (MOC) Collegiate Chapter of FFA helped spread a little Christmas cheer this year to over 150 area Mount Olive children. The project was a joint effort with the MOC CFFA and Coats-for-Kids (CFK), an organization that helps provide new coats for needy children. Several members of the MOC CFFA collected over $2,500 during a month-long fundraising drive in Mount Olive. A $1,000 grant from CHS Foundation also helped to provide coats, toboggans and gloves for the kids.

“This is the sixth year that MOC CFFA has asked the community to help us help others through our Coats for Kids project,” stated freshman, Meagan Parsons. “Even as tough as the economy has been, businesses and individuals in the area have really responded to our request for assistance. Believe me when you see the needs of these children met it really makes you understand the true meaning of Christmas.”

Coats for Kids Foundation was established in January 2004 as a public, charitable foundation by Paul and Cheryl Darby of Alexandria, VA.

“University of Mount Olive and the Collegiate FFA understand the meaning of community service,” stated Dr. Sandy Maddox, interim Director of the Lois G. Agribusiness Center. “We are committed to this project as is the community of Mount Olive. Our students look forward to the opportunity to help and the impact it has on our CFFA members is every bit as positive as it is on the children receiving coats.”

University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.