The Salemwood School is once again collecting coats and jackets to help those less fortunate stay warm this winter.
“Each year the Salemwood community reaches out to staff, parents, and the community to bring some warmth to those less fortunate than ourselves, many of which are often our own families here in Malden,” said teacher and Salemwood drive coordinator Kathy Sullivan.
The Salemwood Drive is in conjunction with the Coats for Kids program. Now in its 18th year, the program was started by Anton’s Cleaners, working in conjunction with several promotional partners—including Wicked Local and the Malden Observer.
A fifth grade science teacher, Sullivan started the Salemwood drive four years ago, after seeing an advertisement for the annual Anton’s drive.
“It’s a great way to give back, and sometimes our own kids at Salemwood are recipients of the jackets,” she said.
Sullivan said the Salemwood drive typically collects 150-200 jackets. She said the first jacket drives ran only through Christmas, but the drive was soon extended into January.
I had people who called after the holidays, asking if we were still taking jackets,” she said. “A lot of people get new jackets for Christmas and want to donate their old one.”
Acceptable items for the drive include: warm winter jackets that have been slightly used and are of good quality—basically the kid of coat one would give a friend. All sizes are needed, especially XL and pre-K sizes.
Unacceptable items include coats with rips, tears, broken zippers or permanent stains. Sweatshirts, vests, and spring coats are not accepted.
Jacket or coats can be dropped off to the Salemwood School K-4 or 5-8 office until Jan. 19.
For more information about the program, contact Kathy Sullivan or call the school (781) 388-0647.
Read more: Salemwood gives the gift of warmth – Malden, Massachusetts – Malden Observer