Koats for Kids in need of donors’ warmth
With the Weather Network predicting a stormy winter ahead, it’s more important than ever to support Koats for Kids.
Welland’s Central United Church on King Street each year provides about 300 people with winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves through its Koats for Kids program.
Pastor Martha Lockwood said although the program was initially started for children, the church assists people of all ages.
“One of the biggest needs is ( for) men — single men don’t have many options for help,” Lockwood said.
Knowing this, Lockwood and church volunteers try to collect coats for all genders and ages.
The program runs until Dec. 15. The church is still in need of coats and other warm items. People can either drop off items at the church, or at a participating dry cleaner in Welland, which clean items for free and contact the church to arrange a drop- off or pick- up of the items. Lockwood said this partnership has made donation collection much easier.
This year Koats for Kids didn’t get a sponsor, so Lockwood said shelves were looking pretty bare at the church. She said she was worried the church wasn’t going to be able to help the community for the first time in more than a decade of running the program.
Fortunately, members of Top Dogs Gym Centre in Welland, dropped off a couple of hundred coats, which Lockwood said will help with initial donations.
Anyone is eligible for the program, they just have to register with their name and address to receive a coat.
Lockwood said she also wants to remind the community about the church’s Harvest Kitchen meal every Sunday from 5 p. m. to 7 p. m. until March. The program provides a warm meal for people and a place to connect with others.
In partnership with the Salvation Army, the church also provides coffee, tea and treats every Tuesday evening. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities, including arts and card games. The program runs 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. at the church.