Winter Gear Drive Helps Battle Creek Neighbors Stay Warm

Michigan winter has a way of arriving before anyone feels quite ready for it, and for many Battle Creek families, the cost of getting everyone into warm coats and boots can be a serious strain.

That is why Charitable Union is once again asking the community to help neighbors prepare for the cold through its annual Winter Gear Drive, continuing through October 15.

The need is substantial.

Last year, Charitable Union distributed more than 11,000 winter-weather items to local children, adults, seniors and people experiencing homelessness.

Those items included coats, snow pants, boots, hats, scarves, mittens and other cold-weather essentials.

This year's drive is especially important because the organization says supplies of adult coats, boots and snow pants are already dangerously low, while the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased.

Charitable Union CEO Teresa Allen said the organization's well-known Coats for Kids effort is only part of the picture, because winter gear is needed by people of all ages from November through March.

New or gently used winter gear is welcome, including hooded winter coats, snow pants, snow suits, snow boots, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves.

For children, the greatest needs include boys' sizes 7, 8, 12, 18 and 20, along with girls' sizes 8, 10, 14, 16 and 18.

For adults, Charitable Union is seeking men's and women's winter gear in all sizes from small through 3XL.

Local businesses, churches, service clubs and other community groups can also organize their own mini winter gear drives.

Charitable Union will provide collection support and materials, and groups interested in getting started can call 269-964-7234.

Donations can be dropped off at Charitable Union as well as participating locations in Battle Creek, Albion, Athens, Homer and Marshall.

Battle Creek collection partners include area credit unions and banks, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, Battle Creek Tile & Mosaic, Ermisch Travel, Sunshine Toyota, The ARC, Worgess Insurance Agency and others.

Additional collection sites include Homestead Savings Bank in Albion, Athens Public Library, Homer Public Library and Marshall Community Credit Union in Marshall.

Financial gifts are another way to help, allowing Charitable Union to purchase specific sizes and types of winter gear when donated supplies do not match the need.

The drive also helps prepare for Charitable Union's annual Coats for Kids event during the week of October 28.

Families can schedule an appointment by calling Charitable Union Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After the event, coats will be available through the Charitable Union Free Store beginning November 3 during regular business hours, with coats limited to one per person each season.

The Free Store at 85 Calhoun Street in Battle Creek serves eligible Calhoun County residents with clothing, personal care items, baby formula, steel-toed shoes and household items at no charge.

For families already juggling food, housing, heating bills and other necessities, a good winter coat can mean one less expense competing for a limited household budget.

It can also mean a warmer walk to school, a safer trip to work, or essential protection for someone spending long stretches outdoors.

This is one of those community efforts where a coat sitting unused in one closet can become something genuinely important in another person's life.

With cold weather on the way, Charitable Union is hoping Battle Creek and the surrounding communities will once again fill the racks before winter arrives.