United Way Peterborough & District and PATH Launch Annual Coats for Community Winter Clothing Drive

By Scott Arnold

With winter approaching, United Way Peterborough & District and Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) are asking the community to help ensure local residents have the warm clothing and winter essentials they need.

Coats for Community… and More! collects winter clothing and essential gear for local residents, with donations helping people stay warm through the colder months. (Photo Courtesy of United Way Peterborough & District)

The annual Coats for Community… and More! campaign launched October 21st, continuing a tradition that began in 1986 as Coats for Kids. Now in its third consecutive year of partnership with PATH, the initiative collects winter clothing and gear for people who need it.

Last winter, more than 2,200 coats and hundreds of other winter essentials were distributed through the program.

Donations of new and gently used items are welcome, including winter coats, snow pants, insulated boots, hats, gloves, mittens, warm clothing layers, blankets and sleeping bags. Hand warmers are also needed. Used items should be in good condition, without stains or tears and with working zippers.

A community collection day is planned for Saturday, November 7th, from 10am to 2pm at PATH, located at 385 Lansdowne Street East in Peterborough. Donations can also be dropped off at PATH on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm throughout the winter, with collections continuing into April.

Workplaces, schools, sports teams, service clubs and other community groups are encouraged to organize their own collection drives. A limited number of collection boxes are available through United Way Peterborough & District.

For residents who need winter clothing, PATH will offer pickup opportunities on Saturdays from November 14th to December 19th, between 10am and 2pm. Volunteers will help community members find suitable items, with clothing also available through some local service providers.

To ask about organizing a collection, volunteering or arranging collection boxes, contact Betsy MacDonald at United Way Peterborough & District at bmacdonald@uwpeterborough.ca.

More information about accessing winter gear and local service providers is available through the United Way Peterborough & District website.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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