Need a coat this Erie winter? Where to find or donate cold-weather clothing
Help others keep warm this winter by donating winter wear to nonprofits and businesses that distribute clothing to people in need.
Here are some of the nonprofits and businesses collecting and distributing cold-weather clothing and how you can help or get help:
Jackets available for veterans
Wesleyville American Legion Post 571 has winter jackets available to veterans in need.
The new jackets were donated by Ocean State Job Lot and Bookwell Travel and are available in sizes medium through 2XL.
To get a jacket, message the post on Facebook or leave a message for the post commander with the bartender, at 1917 Eastern Ave. in Wesleyville.
United Way of Erie County collection
What: United Way will launch a Community Schools Drive on Friday to provide cold-weather clothing for kids. Fifteen United Way community schools in Erie County are accepting clothing.
What's needed: Coats, boots, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, sweatpants, sweatshirts, underwear and blankets. New items only please. Children's and adult sizes are needed.
When: Many schools will accept donations through November.
How to donate: Visit the Community Schools Drive website at unitedwayerie.org/CSDrive for details on when and where to take donations to the participating schools. You can also donate money on the website to help buy clothing for children in need.
How to get clothing: Clothing is distributed by the schools.
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Bethany Outreach Center collections, availability
What: The Clothes Closet at the center, at 254 E. 10th St., provides clothing free of charge year around.
What's needed: Coats, scarves, gloves and everyday wear for men, women, children and infants. Men's wear is especially needed this winter.
When: Clothing is accepted year around.
How to donate: Clothing is accepted at the center Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monetary donations are accepted on the center website at bethanyoutreachcenter.org.
How to get clothing: Call the center at 456-6254 Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to request clothing and schedule a pickup time.
Want to give away your money? Become a philanthropist with the Erie Community Foundation
Erie Free Store accepts, distributes clothing
What: The store, at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2816 Elmwood Ave., provides free clothing and housewares.
What's needed: Clothing for all ages and sizes.
When: Clothing is accepted year around.
How to donate: Donations are accepted Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. The store will be closed on Halloween, Oct. 31. Monetary donations are accepted on the Erie Free Store website at eriefreestore.com.
How to get clothing: The store generally is open Mondays from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
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The Upper Room needs donations
What: The Upper Room at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 1024 Peach St., accepts clothing and other necessities for Erie's homeless.
What's needed: New and good-condition used coats and winter wear for men and women. The shelter also accepts personal hygiene items. Coming up is the annual "Blizzard of Blankets" collection at Perry Square on Nov. 19.
When: Clothing is accepted all year.
How to donate: Items are accepted Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
How to get clothing: Clothing is distributed by The Upper Room.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Want to give a coat or get a coat for winter in Erie? Here's how
