A recent clothing drive at Thomas Worthington High School resulted in more than 200 bags of clothing collected for needy families.

The student council has collaborated with St. Michael Church to assist with its annual winter coat and clothing drive for several years, said adviser Kim Hanlin.

"This year, students wanted to go above and beyond what we've ever done for the clothing drive to extend the collection to not only Thomas Worthington students, but to community members," she said. "We sent fliers out to each household, explaining our need for clothing items."

The fliers went out Dec. 6, Hanlin said.

"A week later, we collected all the donated articles and were shocked with the results," she said. "We were overjoyed as our cars quickly filled with piles of clothes that had been generously donated by Worthington residents."

The school's storage room also quickly filled with clothing and students continued to collect items throughout the next week, Hanlin said.

"We wish we could personally thank each and every person who donated to our cause, because without the help of community members, our clothing drive wouldn't have been the success it turned out to be," she said.

Hanlin said the student council sponsors several service projects each school year.

In October, the council collected more than 6,600 cans in its "Trick or Treat for Canned Goods" drive, which were donated to needy families at Thanksgiving.

An upcoming service project will begin in January, Hanlin said.

"We will be sending care packages to soldiers in Iraq for Valentine's Day, and we will begin collecting donations at the end of January," she said. "In April, we will hold our annual blood drive, sponsored by the Red Cross, and we would like to invite anyone able to participate."

Hanlin said if community members are interested in helping with any of the projects, they should contact a student council member or call her at 614-883-2252.

"We want to extend a thank you to everyone who continues to help us give back during this time of need," she said.