The Friends of Coal Ladies’ Auxiliary (FOCLA) continues to work hard to raise awareness of the good things the state’s coal industry does for West Virginia and its people by taking a very active role in community activities. Their recent and continuing activities include:
· Their online store featuring trademarked Friends of Coal items is active at www.friendsofcoalladies.com, which also features their 2015 DVD from the 100th AnniversaryCoal Association Meeting this summer.
· As in the years past, the Friends of Coal Ladies "Giving Hearts Project" for Christmas is underway. The project aids deployed military personnel, as well as, coal miners who are no longer employed, who are having difficulty providing Christmas for their families. They are seeking and are in need of assistance with this most worthwhile project.
· They continue to accept donations, online and in person, for the beautifully hand-crafted UBB compound bow and case. One of the donors’ names will be drawn to be the owner of this bow in December. All proceeds will be used to assist the ladies with their community projects.
· The Auxiliary continues to give scholarships to deserving coal-related students who have written positive and meaningful essays about the coal industry and it miners and families. The essays were presented during the "Rocket Boys Festival" at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in October. The winners will be announced in future editions of Coal Bits.