By Amanda Raymond
amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Kate Gregory participates in numerous community service activities with her Girl Scout Troop from Millford Hills United Methodist Church, her school and church, Salem Lutheran Church. She is on her school’s student council and has been nominated multiple times for the Service Above Self Award.

Now she is collecting coats to donate to Rowan Helping Ministries.

Kate Gregory is 9 years old.

Gregory hopes to collect 200 gently used coats during this month to donate to Rowan Helping Ministries.

Gregory, who attends Woodleaf Elementary School, said the idea came to her while she was volunteering at Rowan Helping Ministries with her church group.

“I saw the people coming in and whenever I gave them food, they were happy,” she said.

She also noticed that many did not have coats on and thought they might need some for the upcoming winter.

Gregory said she previously has collected food, book bags and clothing for those in need with different organizations, but she wanted to do this project on her own.

With some help from her parents, Bubba and Tonya Gregory, Gregory collected and wrapped boxes and delivered them to different locations around the county.

Gregory said she thinks those in need will appreciate the coats.

“If someone I didn’t know helped me, I would be surprised and happy,” she said.

Tonya Gregory said she was not surprised when her daughter told her what she wanted to do.

Gregory always asks her mother to help her donate canned goods to food drives and donate any change to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.

“She always wants to help others,” she said.

Tonya said the collection was special because it was something her daughter wanted to do on her own.

Gregory said it makes her happy to be able to help those in need.

“It makes me feel good,” she said.

Donation boxes can be found at:

• Food Lion, 2104 Statesville Blvd.
• Carolina Farm Credit, 2810 Statesville Blvd.
• Rowan Rescue Squad station, 1140 Julian Rd.
• Rowan County Emergency Services, 2727 Old Concord Rd.
• The Forum, 2318 S. Main St.
• West Rowan Farm & Garden, 11575 NC-801, Mt. Ulla
• Cleveland Pediatrics, 11709 Statesville Blvd., Cleveland
• Woodleaf BP gas station, 3335 NC-801
• Woodleaf Fire Department, 3500 NC-801
• Price Pharmacy, 422 US 29, China Grove
• Center Stage Dance Co., 150 S. Bostian St., China Grove
• J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. W.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.