THOMASVILLE—On Wednesday morning, Bishop Hall students were surprised with new coats courtesy of Envision Credit Union’s annual “Coats for Kids” donation drive.

The campaign launched on Oct. 23, when Envision began rallying across its numerous communities for new coats of all sizes.

Through the drive, Envision collected a total of 165 coats, which were distributed to schools across North Florida and South Georgia.

“We wanted to provide warm coats for kids that otherwise may not have one this time of year, so that they can come to school warm, and ready to learn,” said Kellie Merck, Community Development Manager for Georgia.

Making sure students are physically cared for outside the classroom is important to both Envision and Bishop Hall, who deeply appreciated the new coats.

Bishop Hall Director Dr. Jim Rehberg explained students who need a warm winter coat are identified by guidance counselors and teachers, as the staff at Bishop Hall works closely with the students.

“Since we are smaller, we have a closer relationship with all the students,” he said. “We really get to know them and their needs. Usually, a teacher will tell us if they think someone is in need or notice a pattern they think we can help with.”

After identifying a need, guidance counselors typically meet with the students to find out what needs they can help meet.

“We then have businesses like Envision, who often reach out and tell us they would like to do something if there is a need,” Rehberg said.

Envision has previously worked with Bishop Hall and other local schools, noting a background in education is how they were founded.

“As an education credit union, we are always looking for ways to give back to initiatives that directly impact students and educators in the communities that we serve,” Merck said. “It means so much to know that members supported the cause by buying a new coat for a student that has never been worn before that belongs to them.”

The initiative does not go unnoticed by Rehberg or his staff.

“We have students who come from every range of circumstances, and often they are not always positive,” he said. “This helps us bridge the gap.”

Rehberg explained when students come to school with their basic needs met, the staff can then focus on teaching and helping meet more physical and emotional needs.

“I just want to thank Envision for their donation of coats and other things they have helped us with this month,” he said.

The “other things” Rehberg is referring to are the gifts several students will be receiving next Thursday.

Rehberg and his cohorts are often able to identify other needs closer to the holidays and understand some students will not receive gifts, so with the help of Envision and other community sponsors, teachers went shopping to provide items for students.

“They did hygiene kits, but they also give them monetary gifts,” he said. “The money isn’t tied to anything so the students can have leeway and get what they need and want to purchase.”

Merck and her team were thrilled they could help out, especially with the holidays right around the corner, concluding they look forward to five years of donations next year.