Winter is a beautiful season that should bring joy and festivities. As the temperature drops, the need for warm clothing becomes increasingly crucial for many of those experiencing struggles and hardship. Winter clothing drives provide a lifeline to those who are less fortunate, ensuring they have the necessary protection against the cold.
With 37 million, or 11% of all Americans living in poverty and struggling to afford basic necessities, the opportunity to help has never been greater.
As one of the busiest seasons of the year rapidly approaches, now is the perfect time to get prepared for a winter clothing drive, or expand an existing drive to include winter items.
Winter Coats
Coats are the most obvious need during the colder months, and it’s common for drives to focus on their collection. Depending on your region, the need for coats can vary from a light jacket to a thick, lined coat.
Vulnerable groups, such as the homeless and low-income families, face immense challenges during the winter season. A quality coat can prevent frostbite, hypothermia, and even loss of life. It’s important to make sure the coat or jacket will meet its need – whether it’s warding off an evening chill or lasting through freezing temperatures and snow.
Extra Warmth
Staying safe and warm during the cooler months takes more than just coats. Consider adding smaller, more cost-effective items, including hand warmers, winter hats, mittens, and scarves.
When adding smaller items, be sure that hats are lined for maximum warmth and comfort. Water-resistant mittens and gloves are certainly appreciated by recipients who live in wet climates, as are Merino wool socks that give comfort while not holding moisture. Wool socks not only increase warmth, they also contribute to improved foot health – an ongoing concern among the homeless communities.
Including these smaller items like hats, mittens, and socks will make donations more accessible to a greater number of potential donors.
Other Winter Ideas
Winter wellness doesn’t end with warm clothing. Cold windy weather dries out our skin. Include lotions to keep hands and feet nicely moisturized and lip balm to prevent chapped lips. These small items can bring great comfort by preventing cracked skin. Not only can dry skin feel painful and bleed, but it can also lead to skin ulcers, which would require additional treatment and cost.
Quality ponchos are another option to help protect people from the elements. A good quality poncho over a jacket or coat helps keep the cold moisture away and maintains a healthier core temperature while preventing hypothermia. Do not donate the disposable ponchos, as they are meant for single use and will not last through a season.
Also, depending on your location, blankets are vital to winter well-being. Consider how and where the blankets will be used when procuring them – whether they will be in a home or outdoors. In wet climates, like Merino wool socks, quality wool blankets provide exceptional warmth while wicking away moisture for use in outdoor situations.
Personalize Collections with an Adopt-A-Person Program
More than simply placing a coat in a box, Adopt-A-Family or Adopt-A-Person programs are an excellent way to get the right coat to the right person. Coat drives, like this one, connect donors with the specific size and need of the recipient. The personal connection through the individual’s story engages the donor on a personal level, leading to greater donor engagement. These also help ensure that the people in need are looked after and clothed in the coats that they most need for the situation.
Make a Difference: Donation Drives and Bulk Purchases
Let’s join hands to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing clothing insecurity. Winter clothing drives like this one provide an opportunity to offer warmth, comfort, and protection against the bitter cold. Together, we can provide warmth and comfort while uplifting the spirits of those who need it the most. And let’s not forget the power of bulk purchasing, enabling us to make an even greater impact.
How Roonga Helps
Whether you’re planning a donation drive, or simply looking for the best supplies to distribute to those in need, Roonga can help.
Our team has years of experience partnering to help support individuals and organizations in planning and hosting donation drives and executing Adopt-A-Family programs.
But if this isn’t what you have in mind, Roonga serves as the hub to connect you with the best in supplies. Roonga’s bulk purchasing through our network of established suppliers helps keep costs low while maintaining a high level of quality, letting your service users know that they are valued and appreciated. Learn more or get started today – https://www.roonga.com/contact-us.