Moorestown Teen Helps Keep Town Warm, Collects 200 Coats

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A Moorestown teenager has done her part to keep residents warm this winter, helping to collect roughly 200 coats for those in need.

Grace Ferrie, 16, began leading her family’s collection of coats for the nonprofit organization Jersey Cares two years ago. This year’s collection was twice as much as they collected last year.

“Winters are so cold, I just can’t imagine not having a coat,” Ferrie said, adding that the drive provides something essential.

Coats have proven especially important over the last few days, during a winter storm that dumped more than 10 inches of snow on Moorestown.

“We are always active in the community,” Ferrie said. “We like to help those around us.”

Her father, Doug, sets an example by serving in the Army National Guard. Read more here: Moorestown Man Who Served In Kosovo, Was Quarantined, Comes Home

Her family became involved through the First Presbyterian Church, and her mother, Kim, headed up collections locally for several years. Grace wanted to take the lead beginning last year, and is in charge of publicizing the drive and collecting and counting coats.

This year, Moorestown High School put a blurb about the coat collection in the school newsletter, which was shared throughout the school. Kim Ferrie also shared the news with her friends.

Neighbors dropped the coats off at their front door, and Grace and her 10-year-old sister, Eva, brought them in and stored them in the attic. Once collected, her whole family helped drop off the collected coats at the Jersey Cares site in Cherry Hill.

Collection began in November and ran through January, and Grace said they will definitely participate again next year.

“It’s an easy way to help,” she said.

Jersey Cares was founded in 1993. It recruits volunteers and partners with local nonprofits to help those in need in communities across the state, according to the nonprofit's website.

Anyone who registers can then choose from hundreds of opportunities in their Volunteer Opportunity Calendar, participate in an annual event, run a collection driveor get their company involved in Jersey Cares’ Corporate Service Program.

To learn more about Jersey Cares and to volunteer, visitjerseycares.org.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact Anthony.Bellano@patch.com.