It will be a warm cozy winter for local children and families in need thanks to the Rotary Club of Ventura (downtown), Rotary Club of Ventura South and Four Seasons Cleaners who will collect, clean and distribute 6,000 new or gently used coats and heavy sweatshirts of all sizes to local families. The drive began Nov. 1 and lasts through Dec. 31. This is the 13th year local service groups have come together to keep families warm during the cool winter months.
Collection boxes are set up at businesses, schools, government centers and public parks in Ventura County to collect coats in a range of sizes from infants to adults. Donations are then taken to Four Seasons Cleaners who for 13 years has donated their services to clean each coat and prepare them for distribution to service organizations and schools in the community.
Beneficiary organizations include Boys & Girls Club of Oxnard and Ventura, Project Understanding, The Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, local churches, the county Sheriff’s Department
and Casa Pacifica. “The coats from the Coats for Kids project provides the children and families we serve a tangible reminder that this community cares about them and their well-being,” explains Ben Unseth, executive director of Project Understanding. “Without the coats our clients might not have what they need to keep warm and dry this winter. This effort is one that is deeply rooted in the values of Rotary and greatly appreciated by our clients.”
Last year over 5,000 coats and jackets were collected and distributed to children and adults in the greater Ventura community. The Rotary Club of Ventura will distribute coats at its annual Christmas Party on December 14 where last year over 70 needy elementary school students were able to select coats along with their families. Media partners for this year’s project are 1033
The Vibe, 106.3 SPIN FM and Eyedentity Graphics.
For questions, donations or more information, please contact Kristin Taylor at 643-3800. Information and collection sites can be found on www.venturarotary.org. Photos of community donations are featured on Facebook and Instagram at #coatsforkidsventura.
Are you a Sophomore or Junior at Ventura High School or Foothill who would like to be selected as a local ambassador for a 3 day all expenses paid retreat in the beautiful hills of Ojai at Camp Ramah from April 20 – 23, 2017. The event offers courses not often found in the regular curriculum; including diversity training, public speaking, team building, leadership fundamentals, goal setting, leading a meeting, character & ethics, facilitation, fellowship and creating good habits. Please visit www.ryla5240.com for more information and to submit your short 120 word essay application and parental consent information by December 15th. Email [email protected] with any questions and or you essay. Please note R.Y.L.A. and your last name in the subject area.
