It’s that time of year again.
With the recent first dump of snow marking winter's impending arrival, Cochrane’s annual Jacket Racket is back to support those in need this cold season.
The Family Resource Network’s (FRN) free community event helps the less fortunate by providing a selection of gently used winter wear and seasonal apparel for all ages.
This year’s Jacket Racket event will take place Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. Those interested in attending are invited to stop by the Cochrane Alliance Church at 902 Glenbow Drive on Saturday to browse the assortment of free, gently used winter clothes and enjoy children’s activities and refreshments.
With the event taking place just two days before Halloween, attendees can also choose from a selection of used costumes for any last-minute ideas.
“It’s really open to anyone from little ones to seniors – anyone in need of a jacket, not just families,” said Kathleen Dennis, FRN family support worker for the Town of Cochrane.
“Many people today are faced with a lot of financial burdens, so Jacket Racket is a good way for them to get the support they need. And everyone is welcome – there’s no barriers to that.”
It’s a time of year that also allows the more fortunate in Cochrane to show their warmth.
“We’ve always been so amazed at the support we’ve had from Cochranites,” Dennis said. “It’s really a huge community event, and there’s a lot of people that make it work.”
On a personal level, Dennis said the community spirit and level of volunteerism in Cochrane is a big part of the reason she came back to live in the town after leaving for a little while.
“People are always willing to step up, and that’s kind of the heart of Cochrane,” she said. “It’s awesome.”
Until Oct. 26, residents have been donating their winter wear and Halloween items to the Jacket Racket at one of seven donation spots in Cochrane. The drop-off sites were at Bow Valley Credit Union, BGC Cochrane, Cochrane Alliance Church, the RancheHouse, Cochrane Safeway, FCSS (located at 209 2nd Ave. W) or the Family Resource Network at 127 1st Ave. W.
Organizers welcomed clean, gently used outerwear, including jackets, coats, hats, scarves, mitts, gloves, snowsuits and boots for children, youth and adults.
For more information, call 403-851-2265 or visit cochane.ca/jacketracket.
