Help keep a child warm - donate your gently used winter wear (infant to teen sizes). Since 1986 we have been a community partner in the distribution of coats to needy families. Volunteers are always needed - if you can help call (519) 776-4231.
History
In 1986 our agency became involved as a community partner with the Canadian Red Cross Society Coats for Kids program. In 2001, the administration of the program was taken over by the Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor. Our agency continues to act as a partner to ensure the program is available to help needy children and families in the Essex area.
Our Role
Each year our agency recruits and co-ordinates local volunteers who are the heart of the program. We promote and encourage individuals in the community, as well as area schools to collect and donate coats to the program. Participating dry cleaners clean the coats at no charge. The coats are then sent to distribution sites throughout Windsor and Essex County. Each year, with the help of dedicated volunteers, our agency distributes several hundred coats to needy children and their families.
Volunteer Participation
Each year during the months of October and November volunteers are needed to:
- Take donated coats to the participating dry cleaners
- Place posters throughout the area
- Help put the coat racks together
- Sort & size the cleaned coats and place on the racks ready for distribution
Distribution of coats takes place for one week during November and volunteers are needed to:
- Greet clients
- Intake - complete client information on the application form as clients arrive
- Assist in finding the appropriate size of coat(s) for each client
- Record the application with details of the items given out
- Direct clients to another site that may be able to help them
- Follow-up as needed if a coat is not available
- Help pack coats into boxes at the end of the campaign
Our volunteers are a very important part of this program and we thank all of you for your time and dedication to the Coats for Kids campaign.