BINGHAMTON, NY – Members of Leonidas Chapter 77 in Binghamton held their third annual coat drive on November 15. This year’s coat drive was ambitiously expanded from five schools to eight. The schools that were part of this year’s coat drive were MacArthur Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, East Middle School, Horace Mann and Homer Brink Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY; George F. Johnson Elementary, Endicott, NY; and Glenwood Elementary School, Vestal, NY.

To ensure coats went to those who needed them most, the chapter worked directly with school counselors to identify the number of coats needed and specific sizing needs. On Tuesday, chapter members distributed over 250 coats, hats, gloves and socks to all eight schools.

Partnering again with Leonidas Chapter 77 was Visions Federal Credit Union. Vision’s staff provided jackets, hats, gloves, and socks.

The chapter would like to extend a special thanks to Visions Federal Credit Union staff for their gracious and generous donation to the annual coat drive. Also, to Tioga State Bank for their generous financial contribution and to the members of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, as well as other anonymous donors who helped meet the growing need for coats in the area.

Members of Leonidas Chapter 77 look forward to growing this event year after year. No child should have to worry about being warm enough. “It is important to remember we have a responsibility to give to those who may be less fortunate,” said chapter president Alex Kermidas. “It is our responsibility to show humility to the next generation, so that we may always be working to help those in need.”