MOUNT OLIVE – For nearly 20 consecutive years, the University of Mount Olive Collegiate FFA has provided coats to needy children in the Mount Olive area.

This year, over 450 students from Carver and Brogden Elementary schools received coats, hats, and gloves. In addition, each of the students received a hand-knitted cap made by Lynn Howard and Carolyn Adams. Santa and some helpers from UMO CFFA assisted with the distribution of the new coats and accessories.

“Distributing the coats for the CFFA’s Coats for Kids outreach event was by far one of the biggest blessings this Christmas season,” stated Morgan Simpson, a junior agricultural education major from Newton Grove and current president of UMO CFFA. “Seeing the children’s faces light up when they were gifted a warm toboggan, and a new winter coat was definitely a heartwarming experience.”

“Some of the children have never owned a coat, and they were extremely appreciative,” said Stephen Edwards, Department Chair of Agricultural Education and Agribusiness. “UMO CFFA looks forward to continuing this program every year. Individuals that would like to help or gain more information can contact UMO Collegiate FFA.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit umo.edu.