Watertown Middle School warms to annual Coats for Kids drive

Winter coats can be dropped off in collection boxes through Jan. 8

One of the items donated at Watertown Middle School for the annual Coats for Kids drive, which runs until Jan. 8, 2016.

WINTER M., Watertown Splash staff
November 29, 2015

    Every year, Watertown Middle School participates in Coats for Kids, a clothing drive that collects winter coats for (despite its name) kids and adults. This drive began Oct. 12 and ends Jan. 8, and anyone can donate coats.  

Eleanor Donato, a sixth-grade social studies teacher, says that every year people that aren’t involved with the middle school drop off coats — she even has teachers from Watertown High and the three elementary schools dropping off their kids’ old coats.

    One great question is, “Why does WMS participate in Coats for Kids?” Ashley Shaughnessy, from the Leadership class and part of the Coats for Kids committee, answered this question.

    “Our school is very good when it comes to helping others, so we think it’s important that everyone stays warm this winter,” she said.

     Coats for Kids is looking for warm, winter coats that are new or gently used and good quality; all sizes are needed, especially extra-large and preschool sizes.

    Only certain coats are can be donated. For example, spring coats would not be warm enough for the cold, snowy winters of New England. Also not allowed are coats with rips, tears, broken zippers, or permanent stains. Sweatshirts and vests are not accepted either.

     Once the coats are collected, all are cleaned by Anton’s Cleaners and distributed by social service agencies to those in need within the local community.

     Coats can be dropped off in the collection boxes near the WMS front office. Coats are also accepted at all Anton’s Cleaners and Jordan’s Furniture stores.

     Coats for Kids promotional sponsors are Fox 25 Boston, Kiss 108, Jam’n 94.5 Hip Hop, 101.7 The Bull Country, and Wicked Local.

    For more information on Coats for Kids, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/CoatsforKids, or on Twitter twitter.com/antons_cfk

–Nov. 28, 2015–