When art historian Dr. Erica James was heading off to college, the girl from humble beginnings had enough funds to pay for her first semester’s tuition and room and board, but nothing else. The young lady who was headed off to upstate New York could not even afford to purchase a winter coat. As she was readying to leave, someone who understood her need and circumstances purchased a winter coat for the young James as a gift. So, when she heard about the Coats for College concept, which allows people to repurpose their winter coats in a philanthropic way to help future Bahamian scholars stay warm and reduce a major expense, that resonated with James in a personal way.
“I was able to relate in a direct way to the call because I understood the importance of extending the kindness that was extended to me, to others in similar circumstances,” said James.
She has been participating in the initiative since it began in 2017.
“It was a no-brainer,” said James. “I think God would have slapped me in some way if I had decided not to participate, considering the blessings I have received.”
The Coats for College concept, founded by Monique Hinsey, encourages the college/university graduate to donate warm coats they acquired over the years, which would in turn be donated to young Bahamian students in need being afforded scholarships to pursue a college education abroad in North America and Canada through the Public School Scholars Programme (PSSP).
“They have overcome many hardships – homelessness, hunger, lack of access to clean running water, and domestic abuse – without the scholarship program, most would never have the opportunity to achieve their scholastic dreams. But now, the fantasy of receiving a college education can be a reality, and they are leaving our warm and sunny climate to study in a wintery wonderland. These young scholars will need warm coats – but coats can be expensive, and with all they’ve had to endure to achieve a scholarship, most cannot afford a coat to stay warm. That’s why Coats for College was created – to alleviate one of the many expenses our scholars will incur in college. With Coats for College, we provide a way for former students to repurpose their coats in a philanthropic way,” said Hinsey.
College bound students who have been the recipient of a donated James coat have been surprised to find a little something extra tucked into their coat. Since her first year donating winter coats, James has placed a note with each coat she donates. And it’s done very purposefully.
“A lot of young Bahamians work hard out of an internal drive, often without a lot of support and encouragement. It is hard to imagine what young people face when they have dreams, and they all have dreams, but often not a lot of road maps, mentors or examples of people close to them who can provide advice, encouragement … hope.
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