Well before the chill sets in this winter, local clubs are hoping community members will donate to keep needy kids warm this winter.
The Rotary Club of Parksville AM, the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach Sunrise and the Ballenas Rotary Interact Club are kicking off their annual Coats for Kids community project this week.
Starting immediately, people can donate new or gently used coats, as well as winter accessories such as scarves and gloves, for use by kids who need them.
Under the program, which began in the community in 1996, coats and other items are collected, sorted, laundered and distributed to various organizations in need of kids’ winter wear.
That follows donations by the community, made to various drop-off locations.
Through Oct. 25 during normal business hours, these items can be dropped off at any District 69 (Qualicum) school, as well as many other places including the Vancouver Island Regional Library, Parksville branch; Thrifty Foods, Quality/Qualicum Foods; Qualicum Commons and more.
Full list:
-Parksville Kiddie Kollege
-Building Learning Together
-Close to You Ladies Fashions
-Island Cleaning Supplies
-RBC Qualicum Beach
-CIBC Qualicum Beach
-BMO Qualicum Beach
-Coastal Community Credit Union Qualicum Beach
-TD Trust Qualicum Beach
For a full list, go to www.pqbnews.com.
For more information, call Cara MacDonald in Parksville at 250-927-3781, or Doug Arbo in Qualicum Beach at 250-752-6753. You can also go to parksvilleamrotary.org. — Rotary submission