Two Texas Members Work to Gift FFA Jackets to Peers
Sunday, November 15, 2020 | Author: Lani Pieper, Texas FFA News Staff
The blue corduroy FFA jacket is a long-standing tradition that unifies members and reminds them they are part of something bigger than themselves. Tuloso-Midway FFA member Emily Dreyer and former Calallen FFA member Kailyn O’Brien are diligently working to give every Texas FFA member the chance to be part of that tradition through their “More Than A Jacket” project.
“We know what an honor it is to have a jacket with your name on it,” said Dreyer. “However, throughout our years in FFA, we noticed there was an abundance of FFA members who never had a jacket of their own.”
According to the National FFA Organization, only 50% of FFA members own their own jackets. O’Brien and Dreyer want to improve this statistic, starting in the Coastal Bend district of Texas FFA.
“By starting ‘More Than A Jacket’, we hope to raise this statistic, starting in our local district,” said O’Brien. “We strongly believe that every member in FFA should have the opportunity to have a jacket with their name on it.”
It takes $55 to purchase a new FFA jacket. An article of clothing far more than its symbolic blue corduroy or the organization’s official dress, the jacket is an icon of an American tradition–instilling pride and responsibility in those who wear it.
Beginning in May 2020, the duo set out with a goal of providing 25 jackets locally, primarily in the Corpus Christi, Texas area. Along with individual donations, they conducted a couple of fundraising efforts, including an online t-shirt sale. After five months, they accomplished their goal.
“We are happy to announce we have met our initial goal and have now set a new goal of 35 jackets,” said Dreyer. “Our generous donors not only sponsor an FFA jacket, but invest in a new generation of leaders.”
For more information on the “More Than A Jacket” project or to donate, visit their Instagram page @MoreThanAJacket or email morethanajacket@gmail.com.
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