FTC student Jace DeMarco seeks to warm the souls of those in need

By Isabella Escobar

Eight years ago, Five Towns College Mass Comm student Jace DeMarco read a news report about a group of people in New York City tying scarves to trees as a way of distributing winter garments to people in need. DeMarco was so inspired by these acts of kindness that he decided to start his own charitable initiative, which he named Warming Souls.

“I saw it [the news article] and saw that no one had done something similar here on Long Island. I approached my mom with this news article and told her I wanted to be the one to do this. She said, ‘Jace, that absolutely warms my soul.’ That’s how I got the name,“ said DeMarco.

Warming Souls is committed to supplying and supporting those in need during the harsh winter season, especially as New York faces sub-zero conditions, temperature warnings, and the heightened risk of hypothermia and other cold-related dangers. DeMarco secures the donated items to trees, bus stops, and various public places around Long Island.

“I know how cold it can get in the winter months, and to be able to warm these people up warms my heart and warms my soul, no pun intended.“ added DeMarco.

DeMarco is a dedicated student and involved member of the Five Towns College community. He is a night manager of the FTC Sound Stream and will host two radio shows this semester that focus on his love of music. His creativity extends to writing and editing, where he is a Social Media Teacher’s Assistant for Five Town’s Mass Communication department.          

“Jace is a caring and thoughtful student, so it is not surprising that he commits his time and efforts to help others,“ said Mass Comm Professor Brigette Boyle.

For those who would like to contribute gently used adult-sized winter garments (hats, gloves, scarfs, mittens), donation boxes have been placed in the Upbeat, Downbeat, and outside of the library. The boxes are checked on Thursdays, and the collections will continue until mid-March.

Five Towns College students understand the importance of community service and support DeMarco’s project. “I have worked in a soup kitchen, so I know I am fortunate and how important it is to help people in every way possible. I’ve seen what it’s like for people who aren’t guaranteed food, warmth, and shelter,“ said Mass Comm sophomore Tyler McCready.

DeMarco encourages students to contact him at demarcoj169@ftc.edu with additional questions.