It can get cold at night in Southern California, making it nearly unbearable for thousands of people living without a permanent roof over their heads.
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Five years ago, when now 18-year-old Peyton Hitzler noticed a growing homelessness problem in her Mission Viejo community, she decided something needed to be done to help them stay warm.
That's when she devised a plan to collect warm clothing for those in need.
Hitzler called the project 'Coco's Coats,' and she tells Heroes producer Heather Jordan that they have already helped hundreds of people. "In total, we've collected approximately 517 coats," she said, delivering to places like Hope Center in Huntington Beach, Anaheim School District Family Outreach Program, and the Peace Center in Anaheim.
You might be wondering - why Coco's Coats? "My sister, she used to call me Coco. She didn't know how to say Paton and the name kind of stuck through softball growing up, and we figured it kind of has a nice ring to it," Hitzler explained.
The new and gently used coats are donated every year by Hitzler's softball teammates and classmates at Capistrano Valley High School and the community.
Her entire family helps with management, and she said her mom, Amy, is her biggest supporter. "My mom is my biggest helper. She always has been, especially before I was able to drive and go pick up coats from people."
"Never did I believe that an idea she had at our kitchen table would grow into something this powerful. I'm so proud of her and how her kindness makes such a difference in people's lives," the loving mother said.
Hitzler says, "I'd love to use the connections I have in my community to spread love and help others." That's why she's our KNX Hero of the Week!
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.
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