CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One week remains in the West Virginia Coats4Kids Drive from the Education Alliance and AmeriCorps.
The drive, part of a national effort called “One Warm Coat,” launched last Monday on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Day of Service.
It ends on Feb. 1.
“COVID has really been devastating for some families in loss of employment, loss of connection with a lot of those social service resources,” said Dr. Amelia Courts, president and CEO of The Education Alliance.
“This is something special that we’ve taken on this year because we know there’s a need.”
Last year, more than 500,000 coats were distributed to kids and adults across North America under “One Warm Coat.”
In West Virginia, the 2021 goal was to be able to collect and donate at least 400 pieces of winter clothing — coats, hats, scarves and gloves — to give to young people in the Mountain State.
Courts said the first week was a busy one for donations.
New and gently-used items were being sought in both children and adult sizes.
“A lot of our high school students are adult size and they’re often some of the students most in need of warm clothing,” Courts said.
Dropoff locations statewide were listed HERE.
Also at the website, financial donations were being accepted for purchases of winter gear.
Courts said the donated items and dollars would be used in the communities where they were given.