Several area groups have joined together to ensure children and families have warm coats for winter.
Operation Warmth is accepting donations of winter coats, hats, mitts and more through Monday at several locations (details below).
Lana Mitchell, Executive Director of Low Income People Involvement of Nipissing (LIPI) says this year’s campaign is vital with the ever-increasing cost of living putting more and more pressure on low-income families and individuals.
“Increases in utilities. It’s increases in food costs. It’s increases in rent and we’re all experiencing it. We’re all well aware of what’s going on,” she says. “If you can help with winter coats, boots and the accessories with what’s going on with the winter that allows people to have a couple more dollars to put towards the hydro bill or rent or other things.”
Mitchell says this year they’re in need of snow pants, especially for boys and men, and plus coats and boots.
She also says they’re encouraging people to bring their hydro bills with them when picking up coats.
“The province’s Ontario Electricity Support Program helps low-income families and individuals bring down the cost of their electricity with a monthly credit. It’s a fantastic program and LIPI staff will be on hand to help people apply,” Mitchell says. “LIPI also helps households who are in hydro and gas arrears through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.”
For winter coat and accessory drop-off, locations include:
L.I.P.I. – Low Income People Involvement of Nipissing
127 Main St East
9 am to 2 pm – Wednesday, Oct. 11 and Thursday, Oct. 12
Rebuilt Resources
1356 Regina St
10 am to 3 pm – Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14
Salvation Army
134 McIntyre St
9 am to 3 pm – Wednesday, Oct. 11 to Monday, Oct. 16 (NOT SUNDAY)
COAT DISTRIBUTION:
Salvation Army
134 McIntyre St
Friday, Oct. 13 from 9 am – 3 pm
Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 am – 3 pm
Monday, Oct. 16 from 9 am – 3 pm
