Winter is around the corner, and the United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, is hosting their annual Coats for Community donation drive. As with other years, they need support. The public is invited to donate new or gently used adult coats from now until November 16.
As the cost of living increases, so does the demand for winter outerwear, such as coats. With this in mind, the donation of clean, gently used or new coats is welcomed and will be accepted at several locations throughout the region.
Coats must be washable (i.e., no leather or heavy wool) and be in good condition.
"Winter coats can be costly. If you are living on a fixed income or in poverty, then it is nearly impossible to buy a new coat. Every year we have a lot of the people we serve reach out to us because they don’t have a warm coat to wear. The United Way coat drive allows this wonderful community to donate their gently used coats and our clients to stay warm,” said a representative from Kingston Interval House.
Monetary donations are also needed to help United Way purchase coats of all sizes and provide what is not donated.
Volunteers will sort and distribute coats to agencies throughout Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington, as donations are received.
Last year, over 1,300 coats and items of warm clothing were donated to help keep those in need warm throughout the winter months.
“The United Way Coats for Community drive brings comfort, dignity, and hope to individuals staying in shelters and on the streets; reminding them that their community cares and people are there to support,” said a representative from Kingston Home Base Living.
Locally, donations are accepted at the Napanee Branch Library and Amherstview Branch Library.
To learn more, or to donate, please visit: https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/your-impact/community-initiatives/coats-for-community/.
By Sarah Williams, LJI Reporter, The Napanee Beaver