The Salvation Army, The Greater Jamestown AM Rotary Club, The Post-Journal, Anderson's Cleaners and Jamestown Containers will help low-income children stay warm through the Bundle Them Up drive which is taking place through Oct. 24.
Organizers hope 1,000 good quality used coats will be collected for children ranging in size from newborn to men's and women's larger sizes.
"Winter is a difficult time for everyone because of skyrocketing heating bills, and other increased costs across the board. But it can be especially difficult for families struggling already to provide for their children," said Major R. Douglas Hart, area services coordinator of The Salvation Army. "But The Bundle Them Up drive allows young people the ability to help other children in need by doing something as simple as giving away a coat they've outgrown."
Contributions of winter coats can be made at the collection boxes outside any school office affiliated with Jamestown Public Schools, Falconer Central School District, Southwestern Central Schools, Panama Central Schools. Additional collection sites are: Keybank in Lakewood, The Post-Journal, Anderson Cleaners and The Salvation Army.
Monetary donations will also be used to meet other winter relief needs of children. Tax deductible donations can be made to The Salvation Army, 83 S. Main St., Jamestown, NY 14701.
"We won't turn away any infant or child in need," said Jolene Holliday, The Salvation Army coordinator of comprehensive financial assistance program. "So we're requesting that people consider making a monetary donation to The Salvation Army towards the purchase of a new coat to cover the shortfall."