By: Rich Smith
Behavioral Health Coordinator
On October 23rd, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Dickinson Public Schools, the Dickinson Middle School National Junior Honor Society, the Full-Service Community Schools, and other community agencies joined forces to support the Salvation Army’s annual Coat Drive, held at the Southwest Health District Unit. This event highlighted the power of collaboration, compassion, and community spirit as local organizations came together to ensure that every child and family in Dickinson stays warm this winter.
DPS, DMS National Junior Honor Society, and FSCS partnership hosted a welcoming booth that served as both a drop-off point and a place of connection. Families who stopped by were greeted by student volunteers and staff who exemplified service and kindness—hallmarks of both the National Junior Honor Society and the district’s community-centered mission. In addition to distributing coats, hats, and gloves, the booth provided resources and information about local supports available to families through the network.
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Students from the DMS National Junior Honor Society played a central role, helping distribute materials and engage visitors with genuine enthusiasm. Their participation reflected the Society’s core pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character—values that align closely with DPS’s vision of fostering responsibility and citizenship among its learners.
The event also provided a meaningful opportunity for students to see firsthand the impact of community partnerships. “This is what service learning looks like in action,” said NJHS Advisor Danielle Riesgraf. “When schools and community organizations work together, we not only meet immediate needs but also strengthen the connections that make Dickinson a caring and resilient community.”
By collaborating with the Salvation Army and the Southwest Health District Unit, Dickinson Public Schools and its partners demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting the whole child and the whole family. The Coat Drive was more than a distribution of winter wear—it was a moment of togetherness, compassion, and hope.
Through efforts like this, DPS, the DMS National Junior Honor Society, and Full-Service Community Schools continue to build bridges between schools and the community, ensuring that students learn not only academics but also the importance of empathy and collective responsibility. The partnership’s presence at the Coat Drive was a clear reflection of what can be achieved when education and service unite for the common good.
Together, they warmed more than bodies—they warmed hearts across Dickinson.