WASHTA, IA -
Here in Siouxland we've been lucky with nice weather, but it's going to get cold soon.
That's why a young man from Washta, Iowa, has made it his mission to make sure kids in Siouxland have warm coats all winter long.
For years 5th grader Scott Byers has been on a mission.
"Nobody should be cold in winter, and everybody should have a coat to stay warm," says Scott Byers, KMEG 14's latest Hometown Hero.
Every year his family gathers coats for KMEG 14's Coats for Kids drive, but now Scott's decided that drive is something to strive for.
"We'd rather make somebody happy with a nice coat than to go out to dinner or have pizza," says Beth Storm, one of Scott's family friends.
He's turned his school into a drop off spot with its very own barrel, and so far he's helped collect more than 30 coats.
"I had a few friends donate coats and I guess we've just gathered up all the coats because people have been seeing the barrel," says Byers.
He's a young man who is becoming a role model.
"It shows me that he cares for others, he cares for their well being and that he is a good person, he has a good heart and he wants to do what is right for others," says Linda Mathers, Scott's math & reading teacher.
Scott's making sure all kids have warm coats this winter, and giving us all good reasons to give.
"To be nice and to get on Santa Clause's nice list," says Byers.
Scott's goal is to gather 100 coats.
If you want to follow in Scott's footsteps and donate, it's easy, those big red barrels are everywhere.
The drive goes through January 1st and with Christmas less than a week away, we would be happy to take any size, style or pattern.
This year's coats for kids drive is sponsored by Mercy Medical Center, WinnaVegas Casino Resort, Alorica and Davenport Cleaners.
