A local organization is hoping to keep down-and-out Bradford West Gwillimbury residents warm this winter with a coat drive.
Bradford WORKS, which is part of Contact Community Services, is asking people to donate winter coats — as well as boots, hats, mittens, scarves, snow pants, and other winter gear — to its office at 95 Holland St. W., Unit 105.
The office will accept items until Nov. 24, when it will start distributing the items.
“It’s for families who are low income and who can’t afford the basic necessities for winter life here in Canada,” said Jaclyn Langman, resource and information specialist at Bradford WORKS.
People who could use the donated items are also welcome to stop by Bradford WORKS to pick some up, or first call the office at 905-778-9058 to make sure items are available for them.
There is no eligibility criteria or assessment needed to pick up free items.
This is the 14th annual Coats 4 Kids drive in which Bradford WORKS has participated.
A second donation drop-off location is at The Clothes Line thrift store at 55 Victoria St. W. in Alliston, which is owned by Contact Community Services.
There is a second longtime coat drive called Coats 4 Kids in BWG, but “the more, the merrier,” said Valerie Ellis, Bradford WORKS’ employment service manager.
She said the coat drive is about helping many of the people in town who could use a hand during the holidays.
“(Bradford WORKS) is kind of a second home (to them). It’s not just about employment. You have to worry about those other needs. You have to have clothes on your back. You have to have food in your stomach,” she said.
“We’re just here to keep an eye on what the community need is.”
HOW TO HELP
Donate:
Drop off winter coats, boots, hats, mittens, scarves, snow pants, etc, to Bradford WORKS at 95 Holland St. W., Unit 105. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Clearly mark bags with ‘Coats 4 Kids.’
Second drop-off location: The Clothes Line thrift store, 55 Victoria St. W., Alliston.
Pick up:
Stop by Bradford WORKS at 95 Holland St. W., Unit 105. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Or call the office at 905-778-9058 to make sure items are available.
