ESCANABA — The Bay College/LSSU Regional Chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) announces its annual “Warm Coats for Warm Hearts” campaign, which collects coats for those in need in Delta County.

The student driven campaign runs for two weeks, from Monday, November 18 to Monday, December 2. Collection boxes are located throughout Delta County at these local participating businesses:

– Ashley’s Furniture and Homestore – Escanaba

– Bay College (HUB) – Escanaba

– Elmer’s County Market – Escanaba

– Peninsula Federal Credit Union – Escanaba

– Pat’s Foods IGA – Gladstone

– Perronville Pub – Perronville

– Integra First Federal Credit Union – Powers

“Being a member of BPA and being a part of this campaign is a way for us to give back to the community that supports us,” says Jocelyene VanDrese, a Bay College student pursuing an Associates in Biology and BPA member. “BPA is a national student organization that’s based on three pillars: community service, leadership, and developing workplace skills.”

“BPA encourages professionalism while being able to help support the community I grew up in,” shares Landon Dugree, a Bay College student pursuing an Associates in Business and BPA member.

At the end of the two weeks, these coats will be distributed to the Tri-County Safe Harbor, Salvation Army, and low-income families at Sand Hill Townhouses. Any size coats, or other winter gear (scarves, gloves, hats, snow pants) are welcome – from infant to adult. While new items are highly preferred, lightly used items are appreciated.

For questions or if interested in volunteering, contact Jocelyene VanDrese at (906) 280-6186 and jocelyene.vandrese@baycollge.edu, or Landon Dugree at (906) 235-6979 and marcy.dugree@baycollege.edu. To learn more about Business Professionals of America, visit www.bpa.org. To learn more about how you can help sponsor the BPA student club, please email bpa@baycollege.edu.