Keeping warm
Coats for Kids gathering up winter wear
Sandra Gallagher and other volunteers are collecting Coats for Kids to provide warm winter clothing for Summerside and area residents in need.
The line stretched out the door of the Summerside Boys and Girls Club and around the block.
Piles of coats and boots awaited hundreds of people making preparations to keep warm for the winter at last year’s Coats for Kids distribution day.
“You really have coats for all these people?” a police officer asked Sandra Gallagher, coordinator of Coats for Kids in Summerside.
This year, they’re expecting even more.
Over 300 are expected to be lined up on the distribution date in early November to warm up with a new-to-them coat. Gallagher has been spearheading Coats for Kids in the Summerside area for years, but this year has proven to be harder than others.
She recently had eye surgery and it has slowed her down. It’s made it more difficult to get out to yard sales and collect donations, she said.
“I never realized how much my surgery would affect Coats for Kids.”
Any donation is appreciated, providing the zipper works properly, she said. There isn’t anyone who can repair the broken zippers.
Fundraising by selling donated items or baked goods and car washes has raised money for two or three new snowsuits to give to a few deserving children. New and brand-name items are too costly to provide winter outerwear for every child but there are some exceptions, said Gallagher.
A young girl she knows, who is being bullied because she does not have brand-name clothing.
“I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that little girl gets a new coat.”
With the eye surgery setting her back, Gallagher is a bit worried about the numbers. Two years ago, 200 people showed up for coats, last year there was 300.
The need is increasing every year and Gallagher is hoping the donations can keep up. Coats for Kids has never had to turn anyone away before and she hopes they never will.
“This year I’m just not sure. We’re doing our best, and that’s all we can do.”
Drop-off locations this year are at: Sun and Suds Laundromat in Summerside, Summerside Boys and Girls Club, Township Chevrolet and Dominos Pizza. Dominos is currently offering a free medium pizza with any donation dropped off on location or at the Boys and Girls Club.
Pick-up can also be arranged by calling Gallagher at 902432-1323 or the two other organizers, Claudette Warrick (902-315-4419) and Chyiann Terris (902-786-2578).
The coats are not exclusively for Summerside youngsters. Anyone young or old, from tip to tip, who needs a coat this winter, Gallagher will do her best to keep them warm.