Rockford Public Schools in search of ‘Warm Coats, Warm Hearts’

From press release

Extremely cold weather calls for swift action. In an effort to keep students warm, Rockford Public Schools urges the community to come together for a winter clothing drive, “Warm Coats, Warm Hearts.”

Rockford schools have a low-income enrollment approaching 80 percent. Many students wait for buses or walk to and from home, and many simply don’t have proper cold-weather attire. In addition, mittens and gloves often are left at home or school, are lost or become wet—so schools need spares.

An estimated 600 coats may be required to fill current needs in 53 schools. At least 100 coats are distributed each year to homeless students alone.

Donations of new or gently-used coats, boots, scarves, hats, mittens or gloves and warm sweaters may be taken to the Sterling Holley Center lobby, 2000 Christina St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Monetary donations may also be sent to Rockford Public Schools Winter Clothing Drive, ATTN: Communications Department, 201 S. Madison St., Rockford, IL 61104-2092.