“Cowboys Diva” raising funds for Coryell County Rainbow Room

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

During the work week, Nicole Vess keeps busy at National United Bank in Copperas Cove, but Vess has an alter-ego – the Dallas Cowboys Diva. 
As a member of the Pro Football’s Ultimate Fan Association, Vess spends her free time wearing her Dallas Cowboys fan gear and attending as many Dallas Cowboys games as she can, interacting with fellow fans. 
Some of her time as the Cowboys Diva, however, goes to raising funds for causes that are important to her, chiefly the Coryell County Rainbow Room, which helps abused and neglected children in the local area. 
When a child is removed from a home due to abuse or neglect, they sometimes leave at a moment’s notice and might only have the clothes on their backs. 
That’s when the Coryell County Rainbow Room steps in, providing comfort items like toys, books, stuffed animals, and necessities like clothes and shoes. 
Based operating out of the Texas Department of Health and Human Service offices on Casa Drive in Copperas Cove, the Rainbow Room serves as the distribution point for caseworkers to pick up whatever a child needs or whatever will help him or her feel more comfortable in their new surroundings. It is open 24 hours, seven days a week to caseworkers.
Vess said she typically holds fundraisers twice a year for the Rainbow Room. Presently, she is raising funds and collecting donations of new clothes, shoes and more. 
On Monday evening, she was at the Copperas Cove YMCA, where Santa Claus paid a visit and those who attended could get their pictures taken with Santa, while Vess shared about the Rainbow Room and what it does. 
Vess raised approximately $200 on Monday evening and also collected a number of items, especially brand-new sneakers and other items of clothing. 
“Right now I’m especially collecting coats, jackets, anything for children to wear in colder weather,” Vess said. “The items must be new.”
She said she will continue to collect clothing, shoes, toys, and other items for children through Friday, Dec. 14. She has a designated area for collections set up at National United Bank, located at 505 E. Bus. 190.