One girl’s idea over three years ago has since helped hundreds of children and adults in need of a warm coat during the winter season.
Victoria Kuzlik of Byron, along with the assistance of many volunteers, wrapped up another successful “Coats for Hope” coat drive, which benefits four domestic violence agencies — HOPE of Ogle County, Remedies in Rockford, Voices in Freeport, and the YWCA of Sauk Valley in Sterling.
On Dec. 9, volunteers gathered at the Byron Middle School to help sort and distribute the many coats, boots, gloves, scarves, hats, and snow pants to the four agencies.
Sweatshirts and baby items were also collected.
“The coats are a necessity for so many who have experienced abuse and financial challenges,” said Ruth Carter, HOPE of Ogle County Executive Director. “We have been so thankful for community support and to those who donated again this year.”
Heartwarming idea
Kuzlik came up with the idea for the coat drive in 2015 after wondering what to do with her winter coats that no longer fit. That’s when Kuzlik thought she’d like to give back to HOPE, the agency that helped her and her father, Robert, several years ago.
With help from the community, that first year Kuzlik raised over $5,000 and collected over 1,000 coats and winter wear. Expanding on that, Kuzlik subsequently added more domestic violence agencies last year. This year marks the third annual event, and plans to continue next year. The Kuzliks are also distributing several items to homeless agencies.
Hearing about the recipients’ reactions makes it all worthwhile for Kuzlik.

“I love being able to help people because it’s just a great feeling hearing about the look on their faces, and hearing others’ stories of survival,” said Kuzlik.
Kuzlik has shared her own survival story as a victim of domestic violence five years ago with the intentions to spread awareness that there is help available.
Helping others is a passion for Kuzlik and her father.
“So far this year over 30 children and adults have been able to pick out a coat in their size,” Carter said. “Many of the adults we serve are working and supporting children on their own means, without the help of a partner and we are so thankful to the Kuzliks for helping us to help these families.”
The Kuzliks send a special thanks to the volunteers, board members and the Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K for collecting and sorting coats this year.
“We would also like to thank Stillman Bank in Rochelle, First State Bank in Rochelle, Holcomb Bank in Rochelle, Central Bank in Rochelle, Rochelle Community Hospital, Rochelle United Methodist Church, and the Village Bakery in Oregon for putting out boxes in their establishments and to the Byron Middle School for use of their beautiful school,” said Kuzlik.

To donate
Donations can be made through the end of January at any Stillman Bank, by visiting the website at coatsforhope.org, or by mailing a check payable to Coats for Hope, P O Box 131, Rochelle, IL 61068.

Agencies in Victoria’s mission
The domestic violence agencies that will directly benefit from this event are:
HOPE of Ogle County — HOPE’s mission is to advocate on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children in a welcoming environment. Caring professionals provide safety planning, support, shelter, and referrals while empowering survivors to build a safe and peaceful future.
Voices of Stephenson County — Voices is a health and human services agency that helps adults and their children deal with problems arising from domestic violence and substance abuse.
Remedies — This agency provides critical and often times lifesaving services to adults struggling with substance abuse and to victims of domestic violence and their children, and works to end the cycle of abuse and addiction through education and community involvement.
YWCA Sauk Valley — The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.