Providing Coats
If there were ever a year when free, warm winter coats are needed, it's 2020.
So instead of canceling Bundle Up Butler, Jean Bowen, project coordinator, devised a way to safely provide free coats in the face of the coronavirus pandemic to those who might otherwise go without.
Bowen explained that those looking for an adult or children's coat must call and register during business hours by Oct. 13.
The caller will share the coat sizes they need and can make a request for color, but requests cannot be guaranteed.
Those to receive coats will go to Butler Memorial Park between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 16 by Miller or Wick streets and proceed to a registration tent, where they will give their name. Recipients can drive or walk.
Bundle Up Butler volunteers will then radio the Miller Shelter, where Bowen and her crew will prepare the coats for the individual or family.
The coats can then be retrieved at the Miller Shelter.
“Things had to change this year, so people are going to have to bear with us,” Bowen said. “We are doing the best we can and helping those in need.”
Another change is in the donation process.
Bowen said no used coats will be accepted this year due to the pandemic.
“We have no way to sanitize them,” she said.
New coats can be donated during business hours at the Center for Community Resources building, 212-214 S. Main St., Butler.
Bowen said modern coats in men's and women's sizes 3X and 4X are always the coats that run out first.
Monetary donations to buy new coats also will be accepted by sending a check to CCR at their Main Street address. Checks should be made out to Center for Community Resources and be marked “B.U.B.” in the note section.
Bowen advised those with good used coats to donate them to St. Vincent de Paul, which has sanitizing capabilities.
Last year, Bundle Up Butler gave out 836 coats at the Butler Cubs Hall.
“Eighty percent are children's coats,” Bowen said. “That is our target, children and seniors.”
To register to receive a free coat, call 724-431-3748.
