It's hard to believe, but this year is the 25th anniversary of the now-famous "Karen Kitzmiller Memorial Winter Coat Drive"! The date for this year's drive is October 25th. Very soon, the good folks at Community National Bank in Montpelier and Barre will start collecting coats and I am really hoping for a record number this year!
We need winter coats of all sizes. Every year, we have a large demand for bigger sizes of both men's & women's coats, and a special need for children's sizes. Take a look through your closet. Are there any coats that you no longer need? *PLEASE NOTE* We only want insulated coats & jackets, not thin windbreakers . . and we want them to be in good condition, clean and wearable. Every year, we get a few that really should just go in the trash. I don't know what people were thinking, since dirty, torn, useless coats are no help to anyone . . . . but coats in good shape for a new owner are a terrific boon for folks who cannnot afford to buy a new coat.
Remember, anyone can get a coat! We have a lot of shoppers, especially younger ones, who actually prefer a used coat to a new one. That's fine . . all our coats are given away for FREE. Every year, we get a few folks who come in and take WAY TOO MANY coats, and we suspect they may be re-selling them So, this year, we are going to set a limit on how many coats an individual can take.
All in all, this event has grown to be a much-needed community event and we are grateful to all the people who donate good winter coats (and winter boots, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and quilts & blankets!). We are especially grateful to the many people who volunteer to help.
My Friends, we are so happy to be able to carry on Karen's legacy with this wonderful coat drive. She started it in 1990, so this 25th anniversary drive means a lot!
Feb 5, 2025, 4:30 to 5:30 PM
That's That Thursday with Nasteeluvzyou at AlchemistFeb 6, 2025, 6 to 9 PM
Winter Fair at Orchard Valley Waldorf SchoolFeb 8, 2025, 10 AM to 2 PM