The Niles girls basketball teams are working hard, both on and off the court.

While the team has spent much of the previous months preparing for the upcoming season, it has also been setting its sights on helping others as well.

The Vikings have been collecting coats for Ziker Cleaners’ annual Coats for Kids Drive.

The varsity, JV and freshmen players have been collecting gently used children’s and adult coats, snow pants, hats, gloves and scarves since practices began in early November.

Their efforts netted a total of 90 coats so far. But these girls are not finished yet as they are now asking the community to join them in their collection efforts.

Zikers will accept donations up until this Saturday and the Niles Vikings are determined to meet their goal of at least 125 coats.

Coats may be dropped off at the Niles High School main office this week only, given to any Niles girls basketball player or call Lori Zimmerman at (574) 876-1091 to arrange for pick-up.

Remember that donations are due to Zikers no later than this Saturday. The Niles teams will also be volunteering their time to assist with the community-wide distribution of coats Dec. 8.