Moved by stories of what homeless people face in wintertime Reno, including frequently going without socks or underwear because those items so rarely are donated, the young people planned a special drive. They sought hats, underwear, gloves and socks. They called their project HUGS.

After Thanksgiving, they set up barrels and boxes at three Episcopal churches: St. Paul's in Sparks, St. Stephen's and Trinity in Reno. A few weeks later, they sorted and wrapped everything donated. The young people had collected HUGS enough for 180 people. They distributed them all the week before and the week after Christmas at regularly scheduled food-distribution programs.

"The program was a great success," says Karen Johanns, director of youth programs for Episcopal parishes in Reno, "There were enough items left over to donate to a local clothes closet for poor families."

To learn more about the youth's project, contact Johanns at kjohanns@trinityreno.org. We welcome your own great idea at greatidea@episcopal-life.org.