The annual Coats 4 Kids campaign kicked off at The Clothes Line in Bradford this weekend, with community members dropping off over 280 new and gently used coats for those in need.
Coats 4 Kids has been operating in BWG for about 24 years, collecting gently washed winter gear of all sizes, including coats, hats, mittens, snowsuits, and scarves, for donation to low-income residents.
Bradford realtor Rose Sobera and community group the Bradford Hustlers were set up outside at 95 Holland St. West all day Saturday collecting donated jackets and handing out free pumpkins, courtesy of Brooks Farms.
Coats 4 Kids was launched by the late Jack MacFadden, an educator, who looked out over a snowy school yard and noticed several children playing outside without warm coats or mitts. The first coat drive took place at his school, simply asking parents to share any outgrown and unneeded but still serviceable winter wear to be distributed to kids in need.
Bradford children's entertainer Minerva MacIsaac was also on-site Saturday doing face painting and balloon art for the children.
"It's going really well," said Sorbera on Saturday, who was thankful for the community's donations and the beautiful weather for the day's festivities. "We have 10 racks (of donated coats) already."
Sorbera who helped launched The Clothes Line store in Bradford last year was the lead organizer for the day's events. To help encourage more donations, she reached out to Brooks Farms in Uxbridge to see if they wanted to collaborate, by donating pumpkins from their farm for the cause.
All donors also received a free one-day pass to the farm, and the first 10 received one-year memberships, a total value worth $3,000.
"Craig (from Brooks Farms) was very generous this year with these this year," said Sorbera.
Sorbera says with inflation at an all-time high, there is a great need in the community for basic needs like clothing and food, and hopes to be able to collect as much winter ware as possible for The Clothes Line.
"It was a very overwhelming response," said Sorbera about the community's generosity with the event, noting many dropped off brand new coats with tags. "Bradford is so incredibly generous!"
The Clothes Line sells donated clothing at affordable prices, with profits going back to the community through CONTACT's services in housing, employment, and community support.
To pick up or donate a coat, reach out to CONTACT Community Services' The Clothes Line in Bradford here.
