NORTHAMPTON — With the winter season in full swing, the Division of Community Care is seeking community support and donations toward its “Share the Warmth” clothing drive.
The drive, which began on Jan. 12 and runs through Feb. 20, will support community members most vulnerable to extreme cold.
DCC Coordinator Anna Ganote told Reminder Publishing that, with the winter season in full swing, access to warm clothing can mean the difference between safety and serious harm for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“We saw a really good response to our Fall Drive, but in addition to that, we saw a really high need in the community continuing throughout December for cold weather clothing and cold weather gear,” said Ganote. “There are a lot of people in need, and partner agencies and other service providers are seeing that as well, so we decided it would be a good idea and helpful for the community to try and do another drive this winter.”
At this time, there is a critical need for men’s winter clothing, including coats, sweatshirts, thermal layers, hats, gloves, socks and boots. Donations of winter gear such as blankets, sleeping bags, tents and tarps are also greatly needed.
“Also, there’s been a really high need for men’s clothing, particularly in larger sizes. We’ve gotten a lot of donations, and we will accept anything because everyone needs stuff, but men’s clothing is a particularly high need this season,” Ganote added.
Cold weather poses significant risks, especially for individuals without stable housing. Exposure to freezing temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia, frostbite and other serious health complications. Warm clothing and protective gear are essential tools in preventing cold-related illness and injury and are often the first line of protection for people living outdoors.
Every donation, large or small, helps provide warmth, dignity and safety, according to Ganote. The DCC will also accept unused hand warmers and hygiene items.
“We will accept anything that people have to donate as long as it’s in usable condition. If folks have handwarmers or other hygiene items [that] we’ve received before, we will accept that,” said Ganote.
DCC is welcoming donations at their community space at 1 Roundhouse Plaza, and community members can also bring donations to City Hall, Forbes Library, Lilly Library, the Northampton Senior Center, PVTA Northampton, Thornes Marketplace, the Unitarian Society in Northampton, the municipal building outside of Council Chambers, the Northampton Police Station and the Northampton Fire/Rescue Headquarters.
Ganote said DCC is always happy to work with anyone seeking shelter because they can help provide referrals and connect people with shelter options.
Ganote said the community’s consistent support for DCC clothing drives means a lot to her and the team.
“A lot of the work of the DCC is bringing people together and supporting the community as a whole and it really is encouraging, heartwarming and very much appreciated to see folks who can donate, donate things that they have and just really try their best to pull it together for the community who is in need,” said Ganote. “All the donations we receive, we really appreciate it, and we hear directly from community members how much it makes a difference for them to have coats, gloves, or boots when they didn’t before. Anything that people can donate, or have around that they think other people could benefit from, we will accept those.”
