Even though the official start of winter is one week away, cold weather has set in, and snow has already blanketed many parts of Pennsylvania. Winter is especially challenging and dangerous for the most vulnerable families and their children as they seek out basic needs.
Cold weather contributes to clothing insecurity for disadvantaged students. Clothing insecurity is defined as the inability to obtain or purchase adequate clothing or to wash and maintain clothing in adequate condition. Not all students have access to coats, gloves, socks or other cold weather apparel, which is necessary for warmth and safety.
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, one cannot thrive and live a healthy lifestyle until their basic needs, which includes clothing and shelter, are met. Everyone is entitled to feel comfortable and healthy during the winter. That's why during this season of giving, United Way of Erie County would like to thank all the individuals, businesses and nonprofits who supported our recent Community Schools Drive: Coats and More for Kids!
Thanks to you, more than $7,000 was raised and hundreds of coats, hoodies, boots, socks, warm mittens, scarves and hats were donated to Community Schools across Erie County.
Special thanks to our local Amazon WEE1 Distribution Center here in Erie and manager Rob Bruno for donating $20,000 in hats, gloves and coats to help children at community schools. Also, we are grateful to Elevate Church for providing a pair of boots for every student attending Pfeiffer Burleigh and Union City Elementary. Watch this Reel from our United Way Instagram to see students receiving their very own gift wrapped present from Elevate Church volunteers.
