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Clothing drive in Liberty helps needy ward off Old Man Winter
Winter outerwear is being collected and distributed to those in need.
LIBERTY — Winter weather can be uncomfortably cold and wet, especially for someone who has no coat and boots to help keep them warm and dry.
June Smallwood, parks and special projects coordinator in Liberty Township, said the township is spearheading a winter-outerwear clothing drive.
“People knew of the need among some residents,” she said of the effort that began this year.
Smallwood said the clothing for children through adults that’s being collected and distributed includes gently worn coats, scarves, hats, gloves and boots.
“We don’t want any off-season clothing,” Small said, emphasizing that this clothing drive is focusing on winter outerwear.
Collection barrels are located at E.J. Blott Elementary School, William S. Guy School, Liberty High School, all on Shady Road; Temple El Emeth, 3970 Logan Way; and the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown.
As the items are collected, they’re moved to a central distribution point at the township building, 1315 Church Hill-Hubbard Road. They’re being stored in the former post-office area. Distribution hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
“We’ve had about 50 people come through so far, and we’ve given out about 60 coats,” Smallwood said, referring to distribution as of Tuesday.
Smallwood said much of the need is for children.
“Snowsuits are really in demand because children outgrow them from year to year,” she said. “So this giveaway really helps families.”
A recent visit to the storage site at the township building showed a nice array of winter outerwear for children to adults, including stadium coats with and without hoods and wool-blend coats in an array of styles and colors.
“We also have some shoes and boots,” Smallwood said.
Smallwood said the project will continue during inclement weather through February. The inventory at the distribution site changes as clothing is taken by those in need and more is dropped off from the collection sites. At first, the clothing distribution was limited to Liberty residents; Smallwood said it is now open to anyone.
Smallwood also noted that the distribution and collection sites are separate for a reason. She said that is because she wanted to maintain anonymity and privacy of recipients.