By Cody Mello-Klein | cmelloklein@alextimes.com

Hearts of Empowerment, a nonprofit that works with charities and local governments to fundraise and raise awareness for specific causes, recently collaborated with the Alexandria Residential Housing Authority on its annual coat drive to provide more than 1,000 winter coats to residents, according to a news release. ARHA’s coat drive aims to assist low income families who are facing hardship during the winter months.

Hearts of Empowerment was not the only organization to provide a helping hand with ARHA’s efforts. The George Mason University men’s volleyball team was also on hand to collect and distribute coats. Roaming Rooster, a chicken sandwich restaurant, also provided meals for staff who assisted with the event.