Colts & coats: a winning combination

Submitted

Indianapolis Colts Safety Cam Bynum brought more than football to Westfield High School last week. He brought a message about faith, service, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Bynum visited the Westfield High School stadium to speak to hundreds of football players, from third graders to high school students. Along with signing jerseys and high-fiving excited young athletes, he shared an important reminder: there is something bigger than football. He encouraged the players to serve God, help the people around them, and make serving others a priority in their lives.

Bynum, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Colts, puts those values into action through the Bynum Faith Foundation. The foundation works to fight poverty through sustainable action, provide holistic relief, and expand flag football opportunities throughout Asia, all with the goal of inspiring hope, unity, and opportunity through faith. Learn more at BynumFaithFoundation.com.

A warm coat can make the difference

Bynum’s heart for others, especially children, led him to encourage the young football players to do more than listen to his message. He challenged them to put their concern for others into action by bringing winter coats and gloves to support Kids Coats of Hamilton County.

Founded in 2004, Kids Coats serves more than 3,000 children throughout Hamilton County each year. Its mission is simple but important: to ensure that no child in the community faces an Indiana winter without a proper coat. The organization also connects families with local community resources, support services, and partner churches.

Rather than operating a traditional central distribution center, Kids Coats partners with local churches and community centers to bring winter coats directly into neighborhoods throughout Carmel, Fishers, Sheridan, Arcadia, Noblesville, and Westfield. Fall distributions are made possible through partnerships with local school districts and churches, helping coats reach the children and families who need them most.

The Westfield Kids’ Coats team with Indianapolis Colts Safety Cam Bynum. (From left) Melody Wisely, Tina Mitchell, Cam Bynum, Eric Lohe, and Jeremy Thornberry. (Photo provided)

Kids Coats of Hamilton County has several coat distribution events scheduled this fall:

• Week of Oct. 20: Arcadia, through the Hamilton Heights School District
• 24: Sheridan, through the Hamilton Heights School District
• 31: CrossRoads Church at Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Road
• 7: Green Valley Church of Christ, 19005 Cumberland Road, Noblesville
• 14: Delaware Township Community Center, 9094 E. 131^st St., Fishers

Families seeking ongoing coat assistance can also contact the Merciful HELP Center at Our Lady of Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Road, Carmel. To learn more about Kids Coats of Hamilton County, its programs, or ways to help, visit kidscoats.org.

Cam Bynum’s visit offers a wonderful reminder that the influence of a professional athlete can extend far beyond the football field. By encouraging young players to serve others – and inspiring them to help provide winter coats for children in need – he is helping turn a message of faith into meaningful action.

Football and winter coats may seem like an unlikely combination, but when they bring people together to care for children, they make a winning team.