The colder winter weather is right around the corner, and some Manatee County residents are in extreme need of coats to keep them warm during this cold season.
Turning Points, a local non-profit organization on a mission to aid individuals and families in their path to financial stability, has partnered with One Warm Coat, a national non-profit organization, to seek out donations of gently used and new winter coats for the homeless.
They are looking for individuals, organizations, and businesses to hold coat drives. These drives can be for just a few days or longer, depending on your preference. All coats need to be delivered to the Turning Points Donation Center, 705 17th Avenue West in Bradenton by November 23rd. The donation center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm.
Last year Turning Points was able to gather 1,500 coats that were distributed to the people of Manatee County. This year, Cheryl Hedger, the Director of Volunteer Services at Turning Points, is expecting to serve at least a hundred clients, most of them have been affected by the economic crisis bought by the Covid-19 Pandemic. This winter season, Hedger says, “We need the support of our local community so that we can provide coats to the people we serve.”
Children’s coats are a top priority this year, so if you have some extras, please consider making a donation. If you have large donations, please place them in plastic bags and tape a paper to them with your name, contact information, and the number of coats inside. Please also keep in mind that Turning Points will not be able to pick up coats.
The community’s help and support is needed to help keep Manatee County’s residents warm during the winter. Whether you donate a single coat, host a coat drive, or choose to make a monetary donation, your contribution will be welcome and appreciated.
For more information, please contact Cheryl Hedger at chedger@tpmanatee.org or call (941) 747-1509, ext. 308.
“The impact of providing warmth to a neighbor or family is so powerful” – Cheryl Hedger
