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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times-Advocate, 2002-11-13, Page 24By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF CLINTON – The math is simple for the Huron United Way, but the answer is not one they want to hear. While one in three Huron County residents accesses the ser- vices provided by member agencies of the United Way, only one in eight donates. And at this time of year, when priorities may be reduced to the most basic needs for some families, pay- ing the hydro bill or buying food may take precedence over a warm coat, no matter how badly it is needed. The United Way is attempting to fill the need with its Coats for Kids program. For several years, the United Way, working with schools, churches, and service groups has asked residents to donate boots, mittens, coats and other winter apparel to needy families. Gently used items with no broken zippers can be dropped off at various locations. They will then be taken to a dryclean- ers, and finally to the United Way office in Clinton, where they will be distributed to needy individuals and families. Last year over 700 coats were given away, and pro- gram coordinator Melodie Northey says ”once again the need is substantial.” attributing it both to people’s needs and their willingness to admit that need. The skyrocketing cost of hydro may squeeze things even tighter this year, and Melodie emphazises although the program is called Coats for Kids, they welcome items of all sizes so adults won’t be cold either. Items may be dropped off at several locations in the area, including the Exeter Cleaning Center, and the Lock &Key &Sears in Exeter, Grand Bend Country Market, St. Joseph Country Store, Hensall D & D Variety, Varna Country Store, Zurich J & L Variety, Doug & Nancy’s General Store in Dashwood, The other urgent request from the United Way is for volunteers to fill a variety of functions needed for the Coats for Kids programs. Drivers are wanted to pick up the items at drop-off points, and to pick up people who may need a ride to the office. Helpers are also required to sort hundreds of coats into various sizes, hang them up, and fill the bins with boots, mittens and scarves. Melodie says, “even if you only have an hour to spare, that would be wonderful.” Volunteers are welcome 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and especially for the Open Houses Nov. 16, 23 and Dec 7, 14. Anyone looking for winter items is encouraged to drop by 10a.m. to 2p.m., or by appointment if they are unable to make the Open House. The United Way realizes the effort it takes for people to admit they need help keeping themselves or their families warmly dressed, and the agency works hard to respect the privacy of the individuals. Melodie says support has come from every part of the community. Students have volunteered their time, churches, service groups and businesses have provided drop-off places, and dry cleaners will clean all the coats so the individuals receiving them will have as close to a new coat as possible. At present, most of the coats the agency has are adult sizes, and they are short on children’s items, especially boots, but Melodie expects that to change in the next few days. She hopes people will go through their closets, back rooms, and boxes to find the scarf that hasn’t been used for a couple of years, or the hat and mitten set you received for Christmas a couple of years ago that wasn’t quite your colour. For more information contact the United Way at 482- 7643 or at uniteway@tcc.on.ca. Crossroads Wednesday, November 13, 2002 17Exeter Times Advocate Making sure kids have a warm coat for the winter In photo at right,Melodie Northey(left),coordinator of the Coats for Kids Program,stands with Vickie Piluke,Executive Director of the Huron United Way. Melodie estimates that over 700 coats,plus boots, hats,and mitts will be distributed to needy families at the United Way’s Open Houses in November and December.(photo/Pat Bolen) Nancy Mason cleans some of the coats she has received at the Exeter Cleaning Center for the United Way Coats for Kids program.(photo/Pat Bolen) think of us as personal trainers for your car. †GM Goodwrench Service dealers located in Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, Dryden, Terrace Bay and Kenora are excluded from this promotion. Participating GM Dealerships may set individual prices. LOF includes up to 5L of GM premium motor oil. Offer valid on most GM vehicles. Limited time only. Offer available to retail customers only. 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