Columbus afterschool program organizes coat drive to keep students warm this winter

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- When Raleigh Thornton III and his partner, Symone Blackwell-Hill, opened the doors to Timeless Learning Center in September, they wanted to ensure every student had a safe place to learn and grow after school. Thornton said part of that mission is helping every student stay warm in the winter.

"We are excited to be able to give tangible items that will benefit our students directly. As (a) ninth grader enrolled at Dayton Early College Academy some years ago, I was the recipient of a donated coat that I still have today, 12-plus years later," Thornton said. "So we are excited to have an opportunity to pay forward the same blessings that were given to us in our adolescence."

TLC's inaugural coat drive is on its way to 100 coats already, with its fundraiser stretching from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6. Thornton said TLC will purchase hats and gloves to go with every donated coat. Thornton said he and Blackwell-Hill, who is also an educator with Columbus City Schools, are open to donations, but also to connecting with any students in need.

TLC opened on Sept. 9 as a four-hour after school care program that incorporates reading groups, tutoring and STEM every day. According to its website, the program also offers one-on-one tutoring options at affordable rates to help families. On weekends, Thornton and Blackwell-Hill offer free mentoring services through community service projects to help keep students active on weekends without only focusing on school.

"We are a business that is rooted in positively impacting our community. For Halloween, we held a BBQ and gave away many candy, hot dogs and burgers," Thornton said. "Big picture, Timeless Learning Center looks forward to hosting more fundraisers and events  that help support residents in the Columbus (and the) greater Columbus area."

Although the last day to donate is Jan. 6, Thornton said they will give out coats until Jan. 15 as they connect with families in need. He said any left over coats not given away by Jan. 15 will be given to local family shelters.

To donate, people can text 614-681-3753 to connect with TLC. Thornton said he can pick up donations, or people can bring them to TLC at 869 Oakland Park, although he encourages donors to text first as schedules at the center can vary. Families in need are also encouraged to reach out.