Elementary School Grads Kick Off Coat Drive With Heart

SAG HARBOR, NY — Two high school students have returned to their former elementary school with hearts full of love to kick off a coat drive aimed at helping the needy and teaching lifelong lessons about giving back.

Marina and Nola Hollyer, now students at Pierson High School, visited Sag Harbor Elementary School last week to announce the return of the coat drive, last held seven years ago.

The sisters even brought back Buddy the Cuddle Monster; Buddy is a furry blue monster that stands in the elementary school lobby “ready to gobble up coats and jackets," the district said.

The first coat drive sparked an outpouring of caring, with 200 coats donated and this year, the goal is to surpass that goal as the drive continues for the next two weeks.

Students can also donate to the Mitten Line, bringing items for families struggling during the cold winter months and especially impacted by the pandemic.