Our business community is coming together this fall to help make sure residents across St. Thomas and Elgin County have what they need to stay warm this winter.
The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Community Coat Drive is returning September 7 through October 2, with 94.1 myFM, Hometown St. Thomas Magazine, and Royal Containers Ltd. partnering with the YWCA to collect winter clothing and accessories.
Jackie Anger, Manager of Strategy and Operations with the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, shared with myFM how excited they are to get started!
But it’s not just us! We have over a dozen local businesses and organizations that have jumped on board to support the drive, serving as drop-off locations for those wishing to support the cause.
Over the next month, we are looking to collect new and gently used winter coats for children, youth and adults, as well as seasonal accessories.
Last year, 578 people accessed the coat drive, with 667 coats and hundreds of winter accessories distributed free of charge. This year, Anger says we are hoping the community can help us collect upward of 800 coats and winter items.
Residents are encouraged to take a look through their closets and storage bins, particularly as families sort through clothing their children have outgrown.
The collected items will be sorted and then made available to community members at the YWCA’s Together for Warmth Coat Selection Days, taking place on October 23 and 24.
Anger adds that no one will be turned away.
The goal is not only to provide warm clothing, but to make sure people can access what they need with dignity.
Donations can be dropped off at the YWCA’s main office at 16 Mary Street West, the myFM studio at 300 Talbot Street, or at participating community partner locations.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
