Sandra Gallagher, Claudette Warrick and Chyiann Terris are bringing back the Coats for Kids campaign.
A Summerside service group had organized the undertaking for a number of years, collecting, at the start of each winter, gently used coats for children in need.
“I’ve had several people contact me asking me if I knew who was in charge of Coats for Kids,” said Gallagher. “I did a little bit of inquiring only to find out they were not having it anymore.”
She decided to help bring back Coats for Kids, making calls to arrange space where coats collected could be distributed and then taking to social media, posting on a used items Facebook page to see if there was interest in bringing back the campaign.
Immediately Terris and Warrick got behind the effort.
“I had seen a post from her (Terris) wondering where they could donate gently used winter coats and I sent her an email,” said Gallagher. “We’re joining forces.”
With the changes to employment insurance eligibility, the rising cost of food and home heating oil, Gallagher said she’s hearing from a number of families about the difficulty in making ends meet and outfitting their children for winter.
“In the past I have gone and got a coat for my own daughter from Coats for Kids. At that time, money was tight and it is today, as well,” said Gallagher.
She only posted on Facebook about the effort earlier this week but, already, several coats, pairs of boots, hats and mittens have been dropped off.
Wanted are gently used coats, snow pants, boots, mittens, gloves and hats for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. Also being accepted are adult’s coats.
Donations can be left with Terris at 56 Gamble Ext., Gallagher at 501 South Dr., apartment four, and with Warrick at 34 Kelly Dr., Miscouche.
Donations can also be dropped off at the YMCA of Summerside at 212 Green St., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
For more information or to arrange for items to be picked up, call Terris at 315-2826 or 724-2862, Gallagher at 432-1323 or Warrick at 315-4419.
The items collected will be made available to those in need at Credit Union Place on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m.
“We’re asking people to please remember to share because there are other people in need of coats,” said Gallagher. “There is really no formal way of knowing if they need a coat or not. They’ll be there and we hope that everybody will share.”
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
the Salvation Army will Sell the coats, and boots to make a profit off of your donation. "coats for kids" is giving them away for free!