The Niles Lady Vikings basketball teams have been working hard on the court fine-tuning their skills for the upcoming season.

Many players have been working throughout the summer as well to be prepared for what they will face on the basketball court within the next couple of months. These dedicated players have also been working hard off the court — helping others to be prepared for the upcoming winter season by collecting coats for Zikers Cleaners annual Coats for Kids drive.

The varsity, JV and freshman players have been collecting gently used children’s and adult coats, snow pants, hats, gloves and scarves since practices began earlier this week. Last year, their efforts netted a total of 115 coats.

The girls took turns helping participants find the right size coat while the others played basketball and games with those children waiting. The players are asking the entire Michiana community to join them with their collection efforts. Zikers will accept donations up until Nov. 30 and the Vikings are determined to meet their goal of donating at least 125 coats to the drive surpassing last year’s efforts.

Coats can be dropped off at the Niles High School main office, given to any Niles girls’ basketball player or by calling Lori Zimmerman at (574) 876-1091 to arrange a pickup.

Niles will be assisting with the community-wide distribution of coats Dec. 7.