As colder weather approaches, people will be reaching for that winter jacket, scarf and boots to keep warm.
The annual Jacket Racket and Family Celebration Event put on by Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is hoping to help make that happen for people who may not be able to afford winter clothing this season.
The event has been going on since 2006 and will be held Oct. 21 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Cochrane Alliance Church. Individuals and families are invited to come and pick from gently used and new winter wear – including jackets, mittens, scarves, sweaters, boots and more.
Annemarie Tocher is the FCSS Resource Centre coordinator and said that the event is intended for individuals and families with lower incomes to access outerwear to keep them warm throughout the winter months.
But she also pointed out that there is more to it than that.
“It is an event that meets the needs of lower income families in Cochrane, but it is also an opportunity for people to be involved in the community through donations and community participation,” said Tocher, emphasizing that the event provides a way for people to come together as a community in Cochrane.
Tocher pointed out that there would also be activities for children and supper would be provided.
She said that each year they have seen an increase in donations and attendance numbers for the event and she estimated the turnout for last year’s event was around 250 adults and children.
According to Tocher, they anticipate those numbers will go up this year.
The donation bins are available from Oct. 6 – 19 and they are looking for gently used, clean or new winter clothing. The bins will be located at Cochrane Safeway, the Boys and Girls Club and the Cochrane Alliance Church, and there are new collection bins at the Parent Link Centre and the Cochrane Early Learning Centre.
Last year she said they did not have enough children’s winter wear and they are hoping that the addition of these two new locations will result in an increase in those donations.
For more information call FCSS at 403-851-2250.
