In order to make sure vulnerable community members are prepared for the cold weather before it actually hits, United Way’s Coats for Kids and Families Collection and the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors’ Toasty Toes Sock Drive are beginning for another year.
“In 2015, we were easily able to find new homes for over 450 winter coats of all sizes and just over 1,600 pairs of socks, “says Connolly Tate-Mitchell, the program coordinator for United Way. “Those are some pretty big numbers that speak to the need in our community.”
KPMG LLP and the four Lethbridge TD Canada Trust branches are once again acting as drop-off sites for gently used winter coats and accessories.
Participating Lethbridge Chiropractic offices will be accepting NEW sock donations.
The United Way office welcomes donations of both categories until Friday, November 4.
“We’ll be doing our best to get these items distributed before the cold weather hits hard,” says Tate-Mitchell. “There are between seven and 10 organizations that take a share of these items and we’re really pleased to be able to reach so many people through our partners.”
Following the collection, staff and volunteers from program partners will sort and deliver the items to a number of local organizations for distribution to children, families and individuals who need them.
Tate-Mitchell stresses that it’s important for donated items to be clean and in good repair. “For hygiene reasons, donated socks need to be new. Everyone, no matter their situation, deserves a sense of dignity and something as simple as a coat or fresh footwear can provide that.”
For more information, Please contact United Way at 403-327-1700 or email together@lethbridgeunitedway.ca.