Bundle Up Butler opens with line around the building to get winter gear
Bundle Up Butler had a line around the Butler City Farmers’ Market when it began handing out coats and winter gear at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, according to volunteers with the Center for Community Resources.
After giving away about 600 winter coats last year, CCR gave out 2,000 this year that it was able to purchase for people in need through fundraising and grants. About 200 coats were donated from the community as well.
“Butler is a wonderful city, so we try to get the word out for everyone to pitch in,” said Rosanne Natili, who has volunteered with the event for about five years. “To see the smiles on all these faces is priceless.”
She said when the doors opened, the farmers market was so full she could barely walk between the tables.
Natili won Soroptimist International of Butler County’s Ruby Award in April and elected to give her $250 winnings to Bundle Up Butler to supply even more coats.
“People are so appreciative, it’s unbelievable,” she said.
Another volunteer, Dan Thompson, estimated there was more than $80,000 worth of merchandise in the farmers market, with each coat being worth an average of $40.
He said this was CCR’s fourth year hosting the event at the farmers market. The venue has allowed them to set up tables and provide more of a shopping experience. Natili said she enjoys helping people find the right winter coat for them in regard to color and style rather than them taking any winter coat that fits.
Volunteer Lena Southworth said people come to CCR every day in the winter months looking for assistance getting winter clothing. Bundle Up Butler started 14 years ago. Volunteers agree the need has only grown since then.
For those who missed Friday’s event, more winter coats will be available at CCR on Main Street in Butler.
