Notes from a Coat Closet volunteer

Do you have coats that your kids have outgrown? Jackets that are no longer your style? Coats that are missing a button but are otherwise in great shape? Donate them to your local coat closet! There are tons of families in your town that would appreciate your generosity.

Do you have filthy coats that have been in your basement growing black mold for the last fifteen years? Sweatshirts that were most recently used as a dog bed/ pee pad? Coats that are in such bad shape I can only assume the last time it was worn the owner was attacked by a Chupacabra? Donate them to your local dumpster. Seriously, nobody wants that shit.

If you would like to help out your local Coat Closet but don't have any extra coats, here are some fantastic ways to help:

* Volunteer your time. We can always use people to sort through donations, do laundry, or man the tables.

* Do you knit/crochet? Handmade hats, scarves, gloves and mittens are always appreciated.

* Stalk department store clearance racks and garage sales during the spring/summer seasons. Coats may not come down enough in price that you'd buy one just to donate, but hats and gloves will get down to less than fifty cents a piece. Warm socks are also popular.

If you're not sure where your community coat closet is located, check with local churches. The library will probably also know where you can get involved.