The Rotaract Club has made their first coat drop off for the season to the Olive Tree. Seven bags full of winter wear were donated to the non-profit as part of the Olive Tree’s Coats for Kids program.
The program provides coats, toques and mittens to students in both school divisions. The program also recently received a $4,000 donation for the Rotary Club of Lloydminster for its fifth year.
Olive Tree Executive Director Becky Schille says the campaign helped provide 71 children in Lloydminster with winter wear so far but demand is increasing.
“This year it was 25 to 30 per cent more than the previous two years. It could be the economy or kids just grew faster and need new sizes. We’re not sure but it’s definitely been the biggest year we’ve had.”
Schille mentioned they generally receive donations for younger children and they are in need of coats and other winter clothes for youths around the age of 13.
“We’re only able to do what we do because of local groups like Rotary, Rotaract and all the other businesses and individuals that support us. Thank you to the community.”
Gently used coats, mittens, ski pants and other winter wear can be dropped off in Rotaract boxes found at Vivid Hair Salon, Musgrave Agencies, Home Hardware, Century 21, Agland and Servus Credit Union.