Jessie Edwards, a 20-year-old aspiring social worker, was looking for a project to fulfill a college class requirement.
Edwards, who is known for her unusually big heart, decided to take on a project in line with her reputation.
She discovered that there are 26 grade schools in Macon County, and many of their pupils do not have gloves.
So why not make sure all the children have their fingers covered this winter?
"I have a big passion for children in the first place," said Edwards, a junior at University of Illinois-Springfield. "My dream is to help children in the community."
Edwards looked over the charity landscape and discovered a gaping hole.
"There’s a coat drive, a food drive, but I never heard of a glove drive," said Edwards, during an interview at Dennis School, where she kicked off her marathon giveaway in early December on one of the first really cold days of the season.
With financial support from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office’s community outreach program, Edwards purchased 1,000 pairs of gloves from Dollar General. She bought 26 Christmas-themed bags, and placed about 40 pairs in each bag.
The story was published by the Decatur Herald & Review on December 28, 2013.
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