Bright Futures Joplin calls for community support as winter needs grow

JOPLIN, Mo. — The colder season is ushering in a bigger need for Bright Futures Joplin.

Coats are currently a popular need for the group.

Bright Futures has sent out around 125 coats to Joplin students already this season. While they have several in stock, some specific sizes are still needed.

That includes children's mediums and larges, as well as bigger, adult sizes for high school students.

New or like-new coats can be dropped off at the Joplin Schools Administration Building at 825 South Pearl.

"We are purchasing coats all the time. If we run out and a kid needs a coat, we buy a coat. So, we always need funds or we need coats to be donated. Either way, we make it happen, but we rely on the community support in some capacity," said Amanda Stone, Bright Futures Joplin Executive Director.

Stone adds donations are always needed for the weekend snack packs program, which cost about $4 per food bag.

The mentor program called "Lunch Pals" is always in need of volunteers to have lunch with a child once a week…

And, volunteers with any skill sets are needed in general for the organization.

Stone says one last easy way to help is through any churches or businesses who would like to hold a food drive for the snack pack program - simply contact Bright Futures for more information.