By Meliyah Venerable / Managing Editor 

What started as a simple email has now turned into a whole initiative. Kayleigh Barnes teaches the GS101 class for international students. She had two freshmen who had just come to the United States for school. These students did not have a coat for the winter.  

Barnes sent an email to Missouri Valley College staff last week, asking if anyone had extra coats, hats or gloves to donate to the students that travel here for school. As soon as Campus Chaplain Nick Petrov received the email he was eager to help. 

“I only contacted the churches and my colleague pastors from Marshall regarding Kayleigh’s idea,” Petrov explained. “I received over 50 jackets that I already gave away to students.”

Petrov received over 50 jackets that were donated to help students. Barnes received many coats from the MVC community as well, together they were able to hand all but five coats out to students in under 24 hours. Many members of the community not only donated their old coats, but some went out to purchase new gear to keep the students warm during the winter weather. 

For students that need winter gear, it is available in the Registrar’s office. They have sizes ranging from a women’s small to a men’s extra large and they are open from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. The Registrar’s office is still taking donations as well, whether you are a student or just part of the MVC community. 

“We are still taking donations, as we are sure there is still an expressed need for them,” Barnes said.