WARMING UP: COATS FOR KIDS CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY
A new shelter in New Glasgow is stepping up to keep people warm this winter.
“There’s no reason why anyone should be cold this winter,” says Tammy MacLaren, vice-chairwoman of Viola’s Place shelter on Marsh St., New Glasgow. “It would be so sad if someone was needing a jacket while we’re sitting on hundreds here.”
On Nov. 15, the shelter received more than 40 plastic bags filled with coats left over from the Coats for Kids drive last month. Stones RV, which led the charge on the Coats for Kids campaign, needed a travel trailer to deliver all of the leftover winter gear.
“When they pulled up I thought, ‘Oh my land, what did we get ourselves into,’” said MacLaren. “Now there’s a mountain that we have to get through.” People in need of a warm coat this winter can reach out to Viola’s place to set up a time to pick one out. With the help of a volunteer youth group, each item will be sorted by size and placed on coat racks which were donated by the Salvation Army.
“They’ve all been checked,” says MacLaren. “All the zippers and all the snaps work.”
On top of that, Viola’s place also has a limited number of gloves, hats and snow pants which were dropped off with the coats.
People in need of winter closing can call 902-752-0550 or email ViolasPlaceSociety@gmail.com.
“And if they can’t get here, then we’ll deliver,” said MacLaren.
The new shelter is also looking for volunteers to help with the months ahead.
“We’re constantly recruiting,” said Brian Bowden, chairman of the society. “If we don’t have volunteers, the doors would shut.”