Warming Communities with Clothing Donations (NAPSA)—It’s a good sign that the cold weather is here to stay when the shorts and sundresses have been packed away to make room for sweaters and pants. The seasonal shift also marks the time when people start tidying up their closets and sorting through clothing for donation. From coats and mittens to blouses and jeans, clothing donations help warm people across the nation during the colder months. In most communities, there are collection sites and resources that make donating clothing simple. For example, if you discover that you have extra coats during yourcloset overhaul, consider donating them to a One Warm Coatcollection. This national nonprofit organization helps local groups collect and distribute coats in their own communities. “Donating coats during the winter months can make a tremendous difference for those whoare less fortunate. Our goalis to provide every person in need with a warm coat, free of charge,” said Sherri Wood, national coordi- nator of One Warm Coat. “Providing this simple, yet vital, need helps people not just in winter but year-round.” Keep these tips in mind when donating clothing: Warm to the idea of donating clothing this winter. Assess the closet—give away garments that have not been worn in two or more years. Clothing should be clean and gently worn. * Donate outgrownclothing. Pack garments in GLAD ForceFlex trash bags. Their stretchable strength allows you to stuff even more clothes in one bag, hangers too, making drop-off even easier. One Warm Coat provides tools and resources for organizations to create their own local coat collection events. To find a collection site or create your own event, visit www.onewarmcoat.org.
