Rent One will continue the coat drive through the month of November.

Rent One's Dexter, Missouri store began its first annual coat drive to assist the Stoddard County Rescue Mission. Rent One, one of the largest independently owned rent to own companies in the U.S.

Rent One's Dexter, Missouri store began its first annual coat drive to assist the Stoddard County Rescue Mission. Rent One, one of the largest independently owned rent to own companies in the U.S., has offered to match the first full payment, up to one month, for those who donate a coat.

Scroll down for podcasts with Rent One execs and and photo galleries of Rent One events.

21 coats were donated in the first seven days of the drive. "This has been a very fun and rewarding experience for all of our store employees," said Sheila Fuwell, manager of Rent One's Dexter location.

Rent One will continue the coat drive through the month of November.

Also this month, Mark Williams, Rent One's vice president of sales and marketing, officially became a member of the Volunteer Advisory Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that seeks to make a difference in local communities by helping children reach their potential through one-on-one relationships with mentors.

Chris King, Program Coordinator for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois, introduced Williams to the possibility of serving on the volunteer board and informed him of the responsibilities the position entails. As an advisory board member, Williams will be a representative of the organization, and he will help to provide the program with the opportunity to effectively and efficiently serve its clients.

"With 4 children of my own, I understand the importance of having a mentor or someone kids can rely on and build a relationship with. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program does just that, matching children ages 6 to 12 with adult volunteers to serve as role models and friends," Williams said.

Mark Williams, Rent One's vice president of sales and marketing, officially became a member of the Volunteer Advisory Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois.

Williams also attributes his choice to volunteer to having a positive mentor during his own childhood. "Growing up in Chicago with both parents working, my sister Dawn was my guide and mentor through my early teenage years. I believe without her mentoring and guidance I would not have become the person that I am today," Williams said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois covers Franklin, Williamson and Jefferson counties. Having lived in southern Illinois for almost 20 years, Williams says that he looks forward to making a difference in his family's community.

"After speaking with Chris and fully understanding the program and the services, it was an easy decision for me to make," Williams said.

See over 300 photos from past Rent One events covered by RTO Online;
- Rent One 2006 Conference (93)
2006 Rent One Annual Managers Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
- Rent One 2007 Conference (128)
2007 Rent One Annual Managers Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
- Rent One Vendor Appreciation Golf Outing 2006 (128)
2006 Rent One Vendor Appreciation Charity Golf Tournament in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Listen to RTO Online podcasts with Rent One executives and employees;
PLAY : Trent Agin - President, Rent One
PLAY : Mike Thompson - Store Manager of the Year, 2006, Rent One
PLAY : Dennis Francis - Regional Sales Manager, Welton USA
PLAY : Jordan Kirkpatrick - Store Manager, Rent One, Benton Il.
PLAY : Kelly McClellan - National Accounts Manager, BDI Laguna - 2006 vendor of the year
PLAY : Larry Carrico - Owner, Rent One
PLAY : Lori Glidewell - Store Manager, Rent One, Murphysboro, Ill
PLAY : Mark Williams - VP Sales and Marketing, Rent One