This note from the YWCA of New Bedford...

After a warm fall, it is finally beginning to get colder, and we can expect snow and temperatures in the 30’s this weekend … and it is time now to donate a new or a gently worn winter coat and jacket to Coats for Kids (and grownups, too!) for the December 9th Coat Drive.

We will all need warm coats and jackets, hats, scarves and gloves to ward off the winter chill, and so many men, women and children in our community need your help each winter to stay warm and dry.   This year’s coat drive is getting off to a slow start and we need your help now.

Coats and jackets, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves are needed for The 28th annual Coats for Kids (and grownups, too!) community coat drive beginning this week.

Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council will distribute coats to anyone in need from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, December 9th from the Unitarian Church at 71 Eighth Street.  The location in downtown New Bedford is handicapped accessible.

Next-to-new, clean coats and jackets, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens can be dropped off for the drive at the Unitarian Church at 71 Eighth Street on Saturday, December 9th between 9 AM and 11 AM.

Coats will also be collected through Friday, December 8th at the YWCA, 20 South Sixth Street, the Unitarian Church, and New Bedford City Hall, 133 William Street in Room 220.

Coats for Kids accepts jackets and coats, hats, scarves, and mittens or gloves and sweaters.  This year, we are asking for blankets as well.  The need is greater this year as we have many families from hurricane ravaged islands who are now in New Bedford and have no warm winter wear for themselves and their families.

In the past, the greatest demand has been for mens, children and larger sized coats for women.  During the past 27 years, Coats for Kids has collected gently used children’s and adult coats, giving away more than 12,000 coats and helping more than 200 families and individuals each year.

This year’s coat drive is once again sponsored by the City of New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council, the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, City of New Bedford Office of Community Services and the First Unitarian Church.

For more information about the coat drive, call the YWCA at 508-999-3255.

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