The Argyle Youth Advisory Council (AYAC) was founded last year to teach members about local politics. In addition, the student-run organization has a focus on community service, and will be hosting the second annual Warming Hearts clothing drive at the Town Hall on Feb. 4.

“We started Warming Hearts last year because we wanted to do something that would benefit people locally and that we could do every year,” Vice President and senior Brooke Daniel said. “This year we are planning on more advertising, so hopefully we can get more clothes donated and help more people.”

Hats, scarfs, blankets, jackets, and shirts filled four trash can sized containers after last year’s event, according to Daniel. All of the items were donated to Journey to Dream, an organization that helps homeless teens in Denton County.

“We had the thought that a lot of people would have stuff to donate near the beginning of the new year because they got new warm clothing at Christmas or had a pile of clothes they had accumulated the previous year but didn’t get around to donate yet,” Daniel said.

At the end of last year, the council took applications and gained four new members for the 2016-17 school year.

“The first thing about the council that interested me was the ability to voice my opinion and the opinions of other students in community decisions,” junior Bailey Carl said. “I feel that it also enables students to play an important role in solving community issues or concerns.”

While Warming Hearts is the group’s next ambition, members look forward to future opportunities to better the community.

“Working with rescue animals has made a huge impact on my life, and I would like to incorporate that into an AYAC project this year,” Carl said. “I would also like to organize an event that would allow members of the community to recognize and give back to the local veterans.”

The group was put together by Mayor Peggy Krueger and has been given guidance from community member Eric Fields throughout the previous year. Members were selected by nominations from the principals of both Argyle and Liberty High School.

“I thought it would be a great leadership opportunity for them to learn civic responsibilities and more about the community,” mother Sherry Daniel said. “[I wanted them to gain] a better understanding on how the government process work, an appreciation for the work our local officials do, and an interest in making a difference in the community.”

Members have high hopes for their service with Warming Hearts and AYAC.

“I hope to leave a passion in others for making a difference in the world,” Daniel said. “The small things we do everyday in our communities can lead to huge things that can happen in our world.”