A charitable organization in Crystal River is helping children in need while honoring the memory of another child.
- Cayla's Coats charity wrapping up this year's charity drive
- Charity collects coats in Citrus County for needy children
- Cayla's Coats Facebook page
Cayla's Coats collect children's coats for families in need. The charity's big drive is wrapping up Friday with collectables being picked up.
This is all to honor Cayla Barnes, who was just 20 months old when she drowned during the summer of 2010.
Shortly after her death, her church members began collecting coats and giving them to elementary school children who need something warm to wear.
"It is carrying on her name," said Jessica Barnes, Cayla's mother. "Making sure she is not forgotten.
"She was a very spunky little girl," Barnes said of her daughter. "She loved to climb, she loved her monkeys, she just was very, it's mine and it's going to be my way."
During the last four years, Cayla's Coats has provided more than 2,500 coats to children in Citrus County. Every November, the coats are distributed on Cayla's birthday.
On Friday, volunteers will pick up collection bins across Citrus County, but coats will continue to be accepted for this year's distribution through Oct. 22.
The Barnes family also is working on starting a loaner life jacket station in Citrus County and providing swim lessons for children.
It's heartwarming to see," Barnes said. "It's happy to see these, to see she's still giving back and we're able to still have an impact through her, just all over within our county. But it's also kind of sad we even have to do it."
"We drove by the cemetery this morning and we blew kisses to Cayla and I love that my sons realize she's there, but I hate that he knows she's there, so it's nice to see a positive impact we're having."