Coat drive begins in Washington next week

WASHINGTON — The Washington Public Library, YMCA, and a Farm Bureau agent are once again collaborating on a winter-weather clothing drive starting Sept. 18. The annual event, called “Warm up Washington” takes in donations of coats, jackets, gloves, hats, snow pants, scarves and any other winterwear for community members in need.

Ann Williams, one of the drive’s founding organizers, said donations would be given away for free Oct. 17-20 at the Washington Public Library.

“We have coats of all sizes from infant all the way up through adult,” she said. “There is a population in our midst that, they don’t have the resources. And particularly this year, with the economy the way it is, money is tight for people.”

That’s slightly earlier than in years past. Williams said organizers hoped to beat any early-season dips in temperature.

“We had a cold snap last year … it came much earlier than anybody expected,” she said. “That made us feel uncomfortable that we weren’t reaching our people quick enough, so we’re going to try and make that sooner.”

Williams asked that all contributions be in good repair and cleaned, although those dropped off at the Washington Y ahead of time can be laundered if donors are unable to do so themselves.

The drive will not accept items that are worn out, torn, or have broken zippers.

The drive is a year-round effort for Williams, whose Farm Bureau office accepts donations in all seasons. The boost from the library and Y, however, is more concentrated.

“I think the community has been wonderful in helping out with this drive,” she said. “When everybody gives a little bit, it benefits so many people … everybody’s got things in their closet that they no longer wear, they don’t fit or they just want something different.”

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