Coats for the Cold — a program that strives to fill a need in the community that extends past simply staying warm — is up and running again.
“Everyone deserves dignity,” said coordinator Charlotte Boychuk.
“A warm, clean coat does wonders.”
Some donations have been dirty and unusable which is frustrating, says Boychuk, who is reminding donors that although items don’t need to be new, they do need to be clean, in good condition, and ready to wear.
Not everyone in need of donations has the ability to clean or mend items, she says.
Coats for the Cold serves a variety of people in different situations, from low-income families, or those who have lost employment or are unemployed due to disability, to those who are homeless.
Some items particularly needed are coats, warm sweaters, boots and socks in all sizes, but especially adult men’s, and adult gloves, not mittens, preferably, for the sake of utility, as well as blankets and baby blankets.
There is also a need for warm, thermal long underwear and shirts, mostly for adult men.
As the church’s location seems to be appropriate and convenient with its proximity to downtown, it will be used for the program again this year.
However, that the church’s thrift store and the Coats for the Cold program are not affiliated, and donations for the program must be brought to the church office or they won’t be received.
The office is located on the west side of the church and the hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.
There are regulations in place, such as sanitizing, and masks.
To find out what items are currently available or to inquire about making a donation, call Boychuk at the church at 403-783-4087.