The staff members at Smith Middle School who were consulted about the annual Coats for Kids collection could not readily say how long the event has been held.
"I remember doing it when I was here (as a student) in 2001," said Liz Stevens, who now works at the school as a secretary.
Stevens clearly recalls that she was in sixth grade that year, noting that the drive was held soon after 9/11. Admittedly, she said, participating in the outerwear collection efforts was just another part of school life, but with time and perspective has come a greater appreciation for the event.
"I think it's an amazing outreach to the community," Stevens remarked. "There's so much of a need."
School counselor Caitie DeSimone shared that almost half of the students in the Solanco School District receive free or reduced-price lunches and even more may qualify.
"There's always a need for kids' coats, even heavy sweaters," DeSimone said.
New or gently used coats, jackets, heavy sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens suitable for children and adults of all sizes may be dropped off at any Solanco school, including Smith, through Wednesday, Nov. 13. The offices of Smith and Swift middle schools, as well as Solanco High School, are open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The elementary school offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All of the items will be taken to Little Britain Presbyterian Church, 255 Little Britain Church Road, Peach Bottom, where volunteers will sort and clean them. The church will also accept items on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Wednesdays, Nov. 6 and 13, from noon to 3 p.m.
Anyone who needs warm clothing is then invited to attend distribution events at the church on Saturday, Nov. 30, and Monday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Friday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The garments will be available free of charge as supplies last, one coat per person.
Coats for Kids is possible only through community support. Stevens related her excitement at seeing individuals shop sales at area retailers and come into the office with arms full of coats. "The connection to each other (in the community) is great to see," she said. "We help each other with the simplest things."
For more information about Coats for Kids, readers may call Little Britain Presbyterian Church at 717-548-2266.
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