With dipping temperatures and the threat of more snow daily, the Westlock and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has launched its annual Coats for Kids and Families campaign.
“I think it’s going to be one of those seasons where as soon as it turns cold, that’s when people are starting to look for material or items like this,” said FCSS program co-ordinator Carol Kassian.
“We like to encourage the public to take a look at their closets and see if there’s anything that they could potentially be sharing with those that need a little bit of assistance.”
The campaign is looking for coats for people of all ages and sizes, from young babies all the way up to seniors. Kassian said they especially need boys’ and girls’ coats.
“For the kids, ski pants are always appreciated,” she added. “If people had gently-used boots, or toques and mitts that are appropriate for winter weather, that would all be appreciated.”
The campaign works on a come-and-go basis, she explained. Coat racks are set up outside the FCSS office, so the public is free to browse and take what they need. Donations can also be dropped at the front desk or at the racks during office hours.
“We take a look at and make sure they’re tidy and appropriate to be able to be distributed, then they’re put out,” Kassian said.
The Coats for Kids and Families campaign has operated in the community since the 1990s, but in a slightly different format that doesn’t keep count of donations or pick ups, she said.
Although FCSS does not go out into the community to distribute the coats, they do accept referrals from their agency partners, as well as phone and walk-in inquires about item availability.
“At this point, I do want to thank the community in advance for their support,” she said.
“In years past, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the office in December or January and the racks were just full.”
