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It got a little chilly for Halloween, didn't it? Or, as one person put it, "Winter was saying it is on its way." For many Mid-Ohio Valley families, such temperatures are met with getting out the gloves, hats, scarves and warm winter coats (or buying new ones for growing kids). For others, it is not so simple. A winter coat is an added expense that stretches household finances a little too thin.
That's where the rest of us come in. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program Coats for Kids winter clothing drive collects new and gently used donated items to be distributed to families in need. Last year the program distributed approximately 700 coats.
"It's so important to us to keep little children warm. During this economy, so many people don't have the money to give each child a new coat," Sandy Bach, co-chairperson of RSVP said. "We don't want any child to go to school and have a dirty or used coat. We want them to feel good about themselves wearing a new, pretty coat."
Yes, adult coats are appreciated, but the need is greatest for coats in children's sizes this year. There are collection points across the region, but donations will no longer be accepted after Nov. 27. Please check your closets for coats that perhaps the children in your own family wore only a few times before growing out of them. Or, if you are able, pick up an extra while you are shopping. Drop off the items knowing you are keeping someone warmer this winter, and removing another worry from the minds of parents and guardians struggling to provide.