The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin’s annual coat drive is already making an impact, with about 170 coats handed out in the first hour of Friday’s giveaway.
The Together for Warmth Coat Drive continues today and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YWCA at 16 Mary Street West in St. Thomas.
Jackie Anger, Manager of Strategy and Operations with the YWCA, says people were lining up as early as 7 a.m. to take part.
The winter gear is available in a variety of styles and sizes, with racks laid out for infants, children, men and women.
Anger says the atmosphere has been just as heartwarming as the donations, with people waiting patiently and looking out for one another.
The giveaway continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring reusable bags, as they’re in high demand.
Anyone heading to the YWCA is also being asked to use caution around the intersection of Curtis and Mary streets, where road work is causing traffic congestion.
Anger says the YWCA expects hundreds of residents to benefit over the two days, with donations also set to be shared with a support organization in Aylmer after the event.
This year’s coat drive is a partnership between the YWCA, 94.1 myFM, Hometown St. Thomas Magazine, and Royal Containers Ltd., with support from over a dozen local businesses and organizations.
More information about the giveaway is available here.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
