Shop ‘Til You Drop Winter Drive

When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, most grab their coats and don’t think twice. For some of our students, they are not as fortunate. In order to fill a need in their community, community school coordinator, Phebe Eugene, and site coordinator, Dominique Connor, at Harrison Morton Middle School in the Allentown School District, organized Shop ‘Till You Drop: Winter Clothes and Coat Giveaway. Due to economic or situational challenges, many students do not own winter apparel. As CIS staff members, they understand how important it is for their students to be properly attired and comfortable on cold days.

The idea came to fruition when they saw that there were many winter coats and clothes already available for the students. In order to gather the additional items needed, Phebe and Dominique hosted a 2-week clothing drive between December 2 and December 17. The drive donations were asked to be new or gently used to ensure reliable use for each item.

Neighborhood groups such as Casa Guadelupe and Boys and Girls Club of Allentown helped spread the word. While the coat and winter apparel were intended for the Harrison Morton and Sheridan Elementary School communities, residents from the greater Allentown area were welcome to benefit as well.

At distribution, 15 tables were filled with over 60 pieces of men’s, women’s, and junior’s clothes and coats, along with blankets, hats, scarves, gloves, and socks. About 65 families attended and by the end all of the apparel was shared. The initiative allowed students’ needs to be met, and a sense of goodwill was experienced by those who gave and received.