SCRANTON, Pa. — In the middle of a dry and warm autumn, workers with Friends of the Poor are going through boxes of winter coats in anticipation of the cold and snowy weather winter can bring.
"Some of the coats that we have received, we have in our big box here," said Ann Montoro Williams as she showed us the collection of coats that have already been donated.
She and organizers of Friends of the Poor are tracking these donations for the group's annual coat drive.
"It makes a difference to the families and especially the children that we serve, you know, a leather jacket," said Williams.
The nonprofit teams up with the UNICO Scranton chapter every year for the drive.
"So just, you know, new or gently used coats," said Williams. "And this is just part of the note, the donations that we have received."
Working together, Williams says the organizations expect donations in the hundreds...
A large amount to help a growing number of people in need.
"People are, you know, worried about taking care of their children or themselves, keeping themselves warm if the economy isn't, um, strong for these people or if, you know, for whatever reason, they may be, you know, without a job or they may even be unhoused. You know, we, we've seen that increase, and it's for a variety of reasons," said Williams.
Friends of The Poor plans to start giving out coats next week, but UNICO is collecting coats until December 21st.
Drop off and/or pick up locations for the Friends of the Poor coat drive beginning November 4th:
- Jackson Terrace: 148 Meridian Avenue, Scranton. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Valley View Terrace: 950 Pear Street, Scranton. Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Ware House Location: 240 East Elm Street, Scranton. Monday Through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.