By Melissa Wagoner
Right now, with schools finally back in session, many kids are spending more time outside for recess, PE and lunch, prompting teachers to send home reminders saying, “Don’t let your children forget their coats.”
But what if there are no coats to send?
That’s where the annual Coats for Kids Winter Coat Drive comes in.
“It’s just something we’ve always thought is important,” Jan Holowati, Silverton Together Program Cooridnator said. The nonprofit organization started the annual drive more than 15 years ago.
“You want your kids to be warm… and they grow so fast,” she added.
Donations can be dropped off at more than 30 locations in and around Silverton including businesses, churches, community organizations and schools from now through Oct. 20. The drive is about more than just coats, it is, in fact, a cold weather clothing drive for new or gently used hats, gloves, mittens and scarves as well.
“We ask for jackets, sweatshirts and hoodies, too, because that’s what most kids wear,” Holowati explained. “Except in January and February when you have to wear a ski coat.”
Distributed on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Clothing Closet, the donated items tend to go fast.
“We get between 600 and 800 kids’ coats and they’re gone in a matter of a week or two,” Holowati confirmed. “So obviously there’s a need.”
Which is why she urges anyone who is in the position to donate to do so – even if that means cleaning out a closet in search of gently used, no longer worn clothes.
“I’ve lived here 30 years,” Holowati began, going on to describe the many years of successful Coats for Kids Drives she’s seen.
Even during the height of the pandemic, when drop sites decreased from 30 to 10, people responded to the need.
“It’s a fantastic town. People are generous and open and they really want their neighbors to be as well off as they are. This is just a really great town.”
Coats for Kids Winter Coat Drive
Sponsored by Silverton Together
Accepting donations of new or “gently used” coats, hats, gloves, scarves, mittens and sweatshirts for families in need now through Oct. 20.
Drop off sites:
www.silvertontogether.org/
Coats-for-Kids-Drive.html
Distribution Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to Noon Seventh-day Adventist Church Community Clothing Closet
1159 Oak St., Silverton
