Bundle Up coat giveaway event needs donations
Heading into its ninth year, Bundle Up Butler has struggled to bring in coats this year, according to event organizers.
Organizer Hayley Merchant of Center for Community Resources said the program doesn't have enough coats to go around to meet its expectations.
“We are behind,” Merchant said. “Our donations for this year are about half of where they normally are.”
Merchant said the program is especially in need of boys coats in sizes 8 to 18. She said coats for any age are acceptable, too, as the program continues to expand with hopes of reaching out to people during the VA Stand Out and also providing coats for people in the Cranberry Township area who can't make it to Butler's event.
The main event still will be in Butler, this year from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Butler City Farm Market, where winter coats will be handed out free to children on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited selection of adult coats will be available for a suggested $5 donation.
Merchant said she expects to surpass last year's 1,300 distributions with a goal of 1,500 coats given this year.
“(This year's event is) later on in the month. When we do Bundle up Butler in the early part of the month, when it's still warm, we don't get a really good turnout,” she said.
Coats can be donated at drop-off boxes located around of Butler. One of the boxes is located at CCR's Main Street office. Other locations can be found by visiting the Facebook page of Helping Hands of Butler, which is assisting in collecting the coats.
All donated coats, especially children's coats, need to be gently used at worst, according to Merchant. She said gentle use means no holes, no stains or discoloration, and zippers and buttons need to all be there and working.
“We like to say we wouldn't give anybody a coat that we wouldn't wear ourselves,” Merchant said.
Merchant said there are a few reasons she thinks organizers haven't received a steady flow of donations this year.
“When people start cleaning out their closets and getting ready for the winter months is when we'll see more donations come through,” Merchant said. “With the extremely hot summer, the coat donations are just not where they used to be.”
Merchant said without enough donated coats, the program will have to rely on it monetary donations.
“We will have to buy coats this year because we don't have any in stock,” she said.
Donations to the program may be made directly to the Center for Community Resources, and any donations that come too late for the event will roll over into next year's collection.
Merchant said everybody should have a winter coat, and for those in need it could be the difference between life and death. She said for children, it's important for their overall development.
“In terms of the kiddos, it's important for their health but also for their well being and to improve their confidence in their appearance with a coat,” Merchant said.
To make a monetary donation online to the Center for Community Resources, visit https://ccrinfo.org/donate-now/. Mailed donations may be submitted to 212 S. Main St., Butler, Pa. 16001
