The winter can be a time when needy families can feel left out in the cold.

But this season will be a warmer one for many people, thanks to a generosity of spirit demonstrated by the Mount Si High School DECA business club.

The group recently completed a holiday coat drive meant to warm the hearts and bodies of the needy, collecting about 700 coats as part of the Kids Care Coat Drive that brought in some 1,800 coats from the Eastside.

Danielle Fulfs, the club’s co-president, wanted to bring a renewed sense of community service to the club.

“It’s what I’m really passionate about,” she said. For Fulfs, taking part in the annual drive makes a worthy contribution to the community and gives the club a chance to earn some practical experience outside of the classroom.

The Kids Care Coat Drive began when Rick Teegarden, a member of the Bellevue Youth Council, noticed the Youth Link “Teen Closet” clothing bank had a need for warm coats. The drive began humbly enough at his middle school in 2004 and has now provided over 1,500 pieces of outerwear to needy recipients all over the eastside.

Last year, Mount Si’s DECA club was able to contribute over 100 coats to the drive, despite only having a donation box at one school.

“This year was really about expanding it,” Fulfs said.

To learn more about Mount Si DECA, contact Danielle Fulfs at (425) 442-7101 or at d_fulfs@hotmail.com.