(In photo from the left: Major Dan Broome, Jim Alford and Lisa Graham)
As the temperatures begin to drop and winter approaches, the Salvation Army in Cobourg is once again preparing to make sure people in the community have something warm to wear.
The 32nd annual Coats for Kids campaign is getting underway, with donations being accepted starting September 14th and until Thanksgiving.
Jim Alford, manager of the Salvation Army’s Cobourg Community & Family Services office, says while the program is called Coats for Kids, the need extends well beyond children.
“It’s not just for kids,” Alford said. “We’re also helping some of the homeless and some of those people who are a little older who need a coat.”
Over the past 32 years, thousands of coats have been collected and distributed to people in need throughout the community.
Alford said the Salvation Army is looking for coats of all sizes, from those for babies and young children to teenagers and adults.
The collection also provides an opportunity for families to give their gently used winter clothing a second life.
From year to year, Alford said some families who received a coat will return it once their children have outgrown it.
“If it’s in good shape and they’ll bring it back, we’ll get it cleaned up a little bit and then give it to the next child down the road,” he said.
It’s a simple example of recycling that can make a difference to someone else while keeping usable clothing out of the landfill.
And coats aren’t the only items being collected.
Toques, mittens, gloves and other winter clothing are also welcome.
“If you have a spare pair of winter boots, by all means, we’ll be happy to take those as well,” Alford said.
There are several drop-off locations throughout the area.
Once the collection period ends, the distribution of winter clothing will begin shortly after Thanksgiving and continue through approximately Christmas.
For those cleaning out closets and finding winter coats, boots or other warm clothing that are no longer being used, the Salvation Army says those items could make a real difference to someone facing another cold Northumberland winter.
Donation Schedule for Coats & Boots
Monday, September 14t to Friday, October 2nd
• Bring children’s and adult’s good/clean used coats no tears on outside of the lining and zippers working) and good used boots. Other winter apparel in good condition like snow pants and winter mitts are also acceptable donations. We also accept adult winter apparel as well.
• PLEASE make sure that coats are put in a clear plastic bag when dropping them off at any of these locations.
1. The Salvation Army Cobourg Community Church
59 Ballantine Street, Cobourg Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm
2. The Salvation Army Community & Family Services – Cobourg
884 Division Street, Unit #212, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am – 1pm
3. The Salvation Army Community & Family Services – Port Hope
100 Peter Street, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am – 1pm
4. Baker Cleaners – 12 Elgin Street East, Cobourg
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm
5. The Beacon Youth Centre – 10 Alice Street, Unit #5, Brighton
Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00pm
Coats For Kids Distribution Schedule Tuesday, October 13™ to Friday, October 30th
Distribution Locations & Times
1. The Salvation Army Community & Family Services – Cobourg
Office: 884 Division Street, Unit #212 Phone: (905) 373-9440
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00am – 1:00pm
2. The Salvation Army Community & Family Services – Port Hope
Office: 100 Peter Street, Phone: (905) 885-2323
Hours: Wednesday, Friday 9:00am – 1:00pm
3. The Salvation Army Community & Family Services – Brighton
Location: 10 Alice Street, Unit #5, Phone: (289) 251-5758
Hours: Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00pm
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
